Ex-Kenosha County Sheriff's deputy charged with allegedly misusing Flock camera technology

August 20, 2026 - 10:55

A former Kenosha County Sheriff's deputy is now facing criminal charges after an investigation into his use of the department's automated license plate reader technology. Frank McGrath, who previously served with the agency, has been charged with two felony counts of misconduct in public office, a violation of Wisconsin state law.

The charges stem from allegations that McGrath used the Flock camera system for personal reasons rather than official law enforcement purposes. According to court documents, the former deputy is accused of running license plates on vehicles that were not connected to any active investigation or public safety concern. The misuse reportedly occurred over a period of time, though specific dates and the number of incidents have not been fully detailed in initial filings.

Flock Safety cameras are designed to capture license plate data and alert officers to vehicles linked to crimes, missing persons, or amber alerts. The technology is widely used across the state, but access is strictly regulated. Departments typically require that queries be tied to legitimate law enforcement duties, and unauthorized use can erode public trust.

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department has not commented directly on the case, but the charges suggest a zero-tolerance approach to misuse of surveillance tools. McGrath is expected to appear in court later this month. If convicted on both counts, he could face up to six years in prison, though sentencing guidelines may vary. His attorney has not yet issued a public statement. The case highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and the proper boundaries of police technology use.