Brevard County ‘Deputy of the Year’ Resigns After Using Flock Surveillance System to Stalk Ex-Girlfriend

Brevard County deputy sheriff Michael Fultz, hired in 2024 and named Deputy of the Year in 2025, has resigned from the force following a 43-page internal investigation that detailed extreme cases of alleged sexual misconduct, racism, and abuse of police systems. The investigation, first reported by News6 and independently reviewed by 404 Media, found that Fultz used the Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) system to track his ex-girlfriend's movements.

According to the investigation, Fultz's ex-girlfriend sent a letter of complaint to the sheriff's office on the same day he was honored as Deputy of the Year. The letter prompted an internal inquiry, during which investigators discovered that Fultz had accessed Flock to search for her vehicle registration. Flock logs showed the searches were made while Fultz was off-duty, and he listed the reason as a generic "investigation." When questioned, Fultz denied stalking, claiming he may have been showing her how the system works and noting that he already had her location via Snapchat.

Beyond the Flock misuse, the investigation detailed a pattern of disturbing behavior. Fultz allegedly posed for photos as Adolf Hitler, performed a Nazi salute, and used racial slurs in text messages. The report also included images of Fultz holding his service weapon to his ex-girlfriend's head and inserting it into her mouth during consensual sexual encounters. The ex-girlfriend noted that the firearm incident occurred after Fultz was involved in an on-duty shooting in April 2025, where he shot and killed a man who charged him with a knife.

The case highlights the potential for abuse of surveillance technologies that are increasingly deployed by law enforcement agencies. Flock systems, used by thousands of police departments across the United States, capture license plate data and can be queried by officers for various purposes. While intended for criminal investigations, critics argue that inadequate oversight allows for personal misuse.

Why This Matters

The case illustrates the real-world risks of police surveillance tools being used for personal vendettas, as Flock systems become ubiquitous in American policing.
It raises questions about the vetting and oversight of officers who have access to sensitive data, especially when they are honored as exemplary employees.
The incident could fuel public debate about the need for stricter auditing and accountability measures for ALPR technology, potentially leading to new regulations.

Background

Flock Safety, a private company, sells ALPR cameras and software to law enforcement agencies nationwide. The systems capture and store license plate images, and officers can search them for specific vehicles. Brevard County adopted Flock technology as part of its policing toolkit. The case of Michael Fultz comes amid a broader scrutiny of police surveillance technologies, with civil liberties groups warning that such tools can be misused to track individuals without judicial oversight. Fultz was hired in 2024 and quickly rose to prominence, being named Deputy of the Year in 2025, before the complaint from his ex-girlfriend led to his downfall.

Key Perspectives

Law Enforcement: Brevard County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation and accepted Fultz's resignation, indicating that internal mechanisms can catch abuse. However, the case also shows that the abuse occurred despite the department's own recognition of Fultz as an exemplary officer. Civil Liberties Advocates: Groups like the ACLU have long warned that ALPR systems lack sufficient oversight and can be used for stalking or harassment. They point to this case as evidence that even officers who are celebrated can misuse surveillance tools, calling for independent audits and restrictions on personal use. Flock Safety: The company has stated that its systems include audit trails and that misuse by officers is a violation of their agreements with law enforcement. They emphasize that the technology itself is neutral and that accountability lies with the agencies and users.

What to Watch

Whether Brevard County or other agencies implement new policies to limit off-duty access to Flock and require specific justification for all searches.
Potential legal action by the ex-girlfriend or civil rights groups against Fultz or the sheriff's office.
Growing push for state or federal legislation requiring regular audits of ALPR use and penalties for improper searches.

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