Second Former Habersham Deputy Arrested in Flock Camera Data Investigation

A second Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been fired and arrested following an internal investigation into the alleged misuse of data collected through the county’s Flock license plate camera system.

The Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that former Deputy Jonathan Thomas was terminated after an internal audit found he allegedly accessed retained license plate information for a personal purpose rather than for legitimate law enforcement business.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident involved an individual with whom Thomas had a personal relationship at the time.

Thomas was subsequently arrested and booked into the Habersham County Detention Center on charges of felony violation of oath of office and misdemeanor misuse of license plate data.

The charges are allegations, and Thomas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Thomas had been employed by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office since December 2, 2024.

Sheriff Tightens Access to Flock System

Sheriff Robin Krockum said the alleged violation was uncovered as the agency continues auditing use of its Flock system following the discovery of an earlier case involving another deputy.

Krockum said the department intends to continue reviewing the system and holding employees accountable for any unauthorized use.

The Sheriff’s Office has also implemented additional safeguards governing searches for specific license plates.

Under the strengthened policy, deputies seeking a plate search must now receive supervisor approval. A documented case number is required, and the reason for the search must be recorded and approved. The deputy must also contact the dispatch center by radio so the search can be logged.

The change reduces the number of people authorized to enter and search for a specific license plate from 39 users to 23 supervisors, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

“We will continue to be transparent to the public in the way we conduct ourselves and hold those responsible who violate their trust,” Krockum said.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once it is completed, the Sheriff’s Office says the case file will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

The latest arrest comes as questions surrounding access to and oversight of automated license plate reader data continue to receive attention in Habersham County.