A former Sarasota police officer was fired and arrested Wednesday amid an ongoing criminal investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement databases, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
Cory Waiters, 38, was arrested Aug. 19 and faces two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge. Police said Waiters is charged with offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, as well as official misconduct. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of violating Florida's public records law.
Waiters had been with the Sarasota Police Department since 2023 and was terminated Wednesday, Aug. 19, police said. He was being held at the Sarasota County Jail.
The investigation began after the department learned
Aug. 6 that Waiters allegedly misused law enforcement-only search databases, including DAVID and Flock, according to police.
An internal affairs investigation was launched, followed by a criminal investigation. Waiters was placed on paid administrative leave Aug. 7.
Police also began an agency-wide audit Aug. 7 to ensure compliance with rules governing the databases. The audit was completed Aug. 14 and found agency-wide compliance, according to the department.
Police said probable cause developed during the criminal investigation led to Waiters' arrest and termination.
“We take allegations of misconduct seriously. When an agency member’s actions fall short of the standards and professionalism we expect, we will address it appropriately and without hesitation,” Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said.
The department had previously announced Aug. 13 that an officer had been placed on administrative leave as authorities investigated the alleged misuse of agency technology. Waiters was identified Wednesday as that officer.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Sarasota Police Detective Kim Laster at 941-263-6827.
Wade Tatangelo is the executive editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida dining and entertainment editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota police officer fired, arrested amid Flock database probe
