FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A former Fort Pierce police officer accused of misusing law enforcement databases to track his ex-girlfriend is expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday.
Former Fort Pierce officer accused of database misuse due in court Wednesday. CBS12’s Paige Meyer reports.
Police say Josepher Crutchfield searched his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle in the department’s Flock license plate reader system 382 times between October 2025 and July 2026 without a legitimate law enforcement reason.
Former Fort Pierce officer accused of database misuse due in court Wednesday. (FPPD)
Investigators say Crutchfield also used other police databases to search for personal information. He was placed on administrative leave in August and later resigned from the department.
Crutchfield now faces four felony charges related to unauthorized computer access. He was being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on $80,000 secured bond.
Fort Pierce police have since tightened access to the Flock system and started a broader audit of department databases.
Former Fort Pierce officer accused of database misuse due in court Wednesday. (FPPD)
Now, the chief says a departmentwide audit is underway, and so far, no other violations have been found.
CBS12 News will be following Crutchfield’s first appearance and will bring you updates from court.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.