Surveillance tools such as automated license plate readers should serve only to apprehend individuals involved in serious offenses when operated by authorized personnel. Lacking clear regulations, however, these systems can enable improper tracking, as seen in the case of a former Florida deputy who accessed department databases to follow a woman and conducted an unauthorized traffic stop that risked a collision.

According to Local 10 News, off-duty deputy Lamar Eliseo Roman was providing security in the Florida Keys during filming of Apple TV's Bad Monkey. His actions began with remarks toward female extras arriving on set. Monroe County Sheriff's Office records indicate Roman commented on the presence of models and focused his attention on one woman, exchanging names and phone numbers despite her mention of a boyfriend.

Roman later located the woman on Instagram and sent direct messages, which went unanswered.

Escalation Through Official Databases

Investigators determined that Roman searched the woman's details in Florida's Driver and Vehicle Information Database along with state and national crime information centers to obtain her license plate number. These systems exist to assist law enforcement in locating suspects, yet Roman added the plate to a hotlist used for alerts from license plate readers. On February 19 a reader captured the plate, prompting Roman to drive above 70 mph on US 1, overtake other vehicles, and nearly collide head-on with a truck while attempting the stop.

The woman later told investigators she noticed a patrol vehicle cut off the truck behind her and suspected it was Roman.

Aftermath of the Traffic Stop

The patrol vehicle's camera lacked audio recording capability, and Roman carried no body camera while failing to document the stop. The woman reported feeling uneasy after Roman referenced his Instagram messages and her boyfriend, then stated he had promised to locate and pull her over while hoping to confront her boyfriend. Roman later admitted to investigators that he recognized the misuse of the databases immediately and described the pursuit as an impulsive response to a difficult period.

Legal Consequences

Although the woman chose not to file charges after learning the full scope of the database access, Monroe County pursued the case. Roman was dismissed from his position, arrested, and charged with unauthorized computer access, a third-degree felony. He was released from a $50,000 bond on July 1 with no further court dates scheduled at the time of reporting. The incident illustrates ongoing risks of surveillance technology misuse and the need for stronger legal safeguards.