Virginia State Police have charged a former James City County police officer with using the county’s Flock cameras to track coworkers, the county announced this afternoon.
Former police officer Androu A. Eskandar, 30, was charged with five felony counts of computer invasion of privacy, three misdemeanor counts of computer invasion of privacy, and five misdemeanor counts of improper use of the automated license plate reader by law enforcement.
The announcement of his arrest came the same day Williamsburg Watch contacted police, based on a tip from a news source who asked not to be named. The source said the case involved a former female police officer who has since left the force.
“Maintaining the trust of our community requires uncompromising accountability,” Police Chief Mark Jamison said in a statement. “When an officer misuses law enforcement systems, it is a serious breach of duty and the values of this department. We will act decisively whenever misconduct occurs, and we remain fully committed to ensuring our personnel uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
Jamison said police were made aware of Eskandar’s behavior in March, when an employee reported concerns about his actions during an internal investigation.
The department requested an independent criminal investigation by the Virginia State Police, and Eskandar resigned from the department April 17. He turned himself in to state police Monday and was released on unsecured bond, county police said.
The announcement comes as public privacy concerns about Flock and other license plate readers have grown across the country.
Two Williamsburg city council candidates – incumbent Stacy Kern-Sheerer and newcomer Eino Korpela – said they were concerned about the city’s use of Flock cameras during a panel discussion of the League of Women Voters and the York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP Tuesday night.
Cameras were also on the minds of Williamsburg Watch readers who attended our town hall Sept. 15 with Jamison, Williamsburg Police Chief Sean Dunn and York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery.
Montgomery said police have misused their positions before the cameras existed, running license plate checks for personal reasons. Montgomery said any department employee misusing Flock systems the same way would be fired and subject to prosecution.
The sheriff said state law requires a monthly audit of Flock use to ensure the system is not being abused, but he mandates weekly audits.
Jamison said James City County police run random audits in addition to the monthly audit required by state law.
If we can trust those are in positions of leadership to exhibit transparency in all matters (camera discussions, paying 2 departed former employees) and recognize their positions are paid for by all residents maybe they will be forthcoming. Trust takes long time to earn and gone in seconds. Where are the fully formed adults? Where are honest answers versus hiding? Where is intelligence and compassion and a recognition that your words matter? That it’s a true privilege to have these responsibilities? So start being the best version you can be. You can and must do better!