SARASOTA — A Sarasota Police Department officer was terminated and arrested Wednesday following an investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement technology.
Cory Waiters, 38, was arrested on Aug. 19 and is facing the following charges:
- Offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, a felony
- Official misconduct, a felony
- Violation of Florida’s public records law, a misdemeanor
The investigation began after the department learned on Aug. 6 that Waiters had allegedly misused law enforcement-only search databases, including DAVID and Flock.
The department immediately opened an internal affairs investigation, which led to a criminal investigation. Waiters was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 7.
An agency-wide audit was also launched on Aug. 7 to review compliance with the department’s policies. Police said the audit was completed on Aug. 14 and found agency-wide compliance.
Based on probable cause developed during the criminal investigation, the department terminated Waiters on Wednesday. He had been employed by the Sarasota Police Department since 2023.
“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,” Police Chief Rex Troche said.
Waiters was booked into the Sarasota County Jail. The internal and criminal investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Kim Laster with the Sarasota Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6827.