More Flock misuse: Georgia officer facing charges in 2 counties
Former Acworth officer turns himself in at Cobb County Jail
Anthony Trapani, 32, faces four felony charges after state agents uncovered unauthorized searches in Cobb and Bartow counties.
ACWORTH, Ga. - A former North Georgia police officer turned himself in Monday after state investigators said he unlawfully used a law enforcement license plate tracking system across two local departments.
What we know:
Former Emerson Police Department Officer Anthony Trapani, 32, of Rockmart, was arrested Monday after turning himself in at the Cobb County Jail.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charged Trapani with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and violation of oath of office.
The Acworth Police Department requested a state investigation on Aug. 25 after discovering searches on the Flock Safety System that violated policy.
Trapani worked as an Acworth police officer from June 2, 2019, through July 11, 2025, before transferring to the Emerson Police Department.
Officials said the improper searches occurred for non-law enforcement purposes during his time in Acworth and continued after his transfer to Emerson.
Acworth Police Chief Mark H. Cheatham notified Emerson Police Chief Kyle Teems before bringing in state agents.
Once the active investigation concludes, agents will submit the case file to the Bartow County District Attorney’s Office and the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Emerson’s police chief noted their department operates two Flock cameras installed in 2021 and has since instituted policy updates to safeguard against future abuses.
Once released from Cobb County, Trapani will be transferred to the Bartow County Jail to face a misuse charge stemming from his actions in Emerson.
What they're saying:
Community members voiced growing concerns over police misuse of technology.
"My grandmother used to tell me if you do the crime, you do the time," said Emerson resident Jill Martin.
Acworth resident Elizabeth Carr said she previously supported Flock cameras but reconsidered after learning of abuses.
"Every technology we have can be misused and how do we stop that, I don't know," Carr said.
Resident Eric expressed mixed feelings as national cases rise.
"If you want to use them for elderly or missing child, great idea. I don't think we're ever going to stop from abusing it unless we only use it for particular purposes," Eric said.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not revealed who or what Trapani was searching for when he allegedly misused the database.
State officials have not released whether additional charges will be filed as the active investigation continues.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a news broadcast by FOX5 reporter Denise Dillon, who gathered statements from local residents and detailed public agency findings, as well as official statements from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Acworth Police Department and Emerson Police Department.