SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - A former Florida police officer has been arrested and fired after an investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement databases.

The Sarasota Police Department said Tuesday that 38-year-old Cory Waiters faces felony charges of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, and official misconduct.

Waiters also faces a misdemeanor charge of violating public records law, according to police and a probable-cause affidavit.

Waiters had been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 7.

The Sarasota Police Department said it began an internal affairs investigation after learning on Aug. 6 of allegations involving law enforcement-only search databases.

The criminal investigation was assigned Aug. 12, according to the affidavit.

Investigators allege Waiters improperly accessed the Driver and Vehicle Information Database, known as DAVID, and Flock, a license plate reader system.

Waiters searched the same Florida license plate 358 times through Flock between May and October 2025, according to the affidavit. Investigators also documented multiple DAVID searches connected to the tag.

Investigators wrote that Waiters was not actively working on a criminal investigation involving the vehicle during the relevant period.

The affidavit alleges the database access was unauthorized or exceeded his authorization.

Police said an agencywide compliance audit launched Aug. 7 was completed Aug. 14 and found agencywide compliance.

“We take allegations of misconduct seriously,” Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said in a statement. “When an agency member’s actions fall short of the standards and professionalism we expect, we will address it appropriately and without hesitation.”

Waiters joined the Sarasota Police Department in 2023. Police said he is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Sarasota police at 941-263-6827.

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