Two Pinellas County deputies were taken into custody on September 30 after a TCPalm‑USA TODAY investigation revealed they misused automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) technology for personal reasons, authorities announced.

TCPalm Inquiry Sparks Police Audit

The investigation began when TCPalm asked about abnormal searches conducted by the Flock Safety ALPR system on August 20. The sheriff’s office said it routinely audits its license‑plate readers but only launched a formal review after the media query. The audit uncovered that two deputies had performed hundreds of searches unrelated to official duties.

Alleged Personal Misuse of ALPR Data

One deputy, identified as 57‑year‑old Karl Gwynne, allegedly used the system to track a woman he was interested in dating. Records show Gwynne queried the woman’s plate 300 times between January 2025 and July 2026, with 207 of those searches occurring while he was off‑duty. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri disclosed these details at a news conference, emphasizing the breach of privacy and policy.

"The high number of queries for a single individual, especially off‑duty, is unacceptable and violates our protocols," Sheriff Gualtieri said.

Broader Law‑Enforcement Discipline

The two arrests are part of a larger wave of disciplinary actions affecting 26 law‑enforcement officials across Florida who faced similar accusations of misusing police computer systems, including ALPRs. Some officials were placed on leave, others fired, and a few, like the Pinellas deputies, were arrested.

Legal Implications and Current Status

The deputies have been charged, though specific charges were not detailed in the source text. They remain in custody pending further court proceedings. The sheriff’s office has pledged to strengthen oversight of ALPR usage and to conduct additional training to prevent future abuses.

Key Facts

• Suspects: Two Pinellas County deputies, including Karl Gwynne, 57
• Charges: Misuse of police computer systems and ALPR technology (specific charges not disclosed)
• Location: Pinellas County, FL
• Date of Arrest: 2026‑09‑30
• Investigation Trigger: TCPalm‑USA TODAY report on abnormal Flock Safety searches
• Current Status: Deputies arrested; investigation ongoing

Looking Ahead

The case underscores growing concerns over privacy and the proper use of surveillance technology by law‑enforcement agencies. As the legal process unfolds, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says it will review its ALPR policies and may implement stricter controls to protect citizens’ data.