SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The GBI has arrested and charged four people connected to the Savannah Police Department with crimes related to misuse of a license plate reader system.

• Marquis Dillard, 48, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
• Donald Phillips, 23, of Fleming, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
• Matthew Rich, 39, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
• Calandic Thomas, 34, of Pooler, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Savannah Police Department fires 6 employees over Flock Safety System misuse

At the time of the offenses the GBI said Dillard, Phillips and Rich were employed as police officers, and Thomas was employed as a community service specialist with the Savannah Police Department.

Investigation background

On July 29, 2026, the Savannah Police Department asked the GBI to investigate allegations of license plate reader misuse following an internal audit of the Flock Safety System.

Preliminary information shows the four subjects accessed the Flock Safety System for non-law enforcement purposes.

Dillard, Phillips, Rich and Thomas were booked into the Chatham County Jail.

Mayor, police chief respond

In press release, the Savannah Police Department said it is aware of the arrests of three former officers and one former civilian staff member. The department said it will continue to work with the GBI as the investigation continues.

SPD Chief Lenny Gunther released the following statement regarding the arrests:

“I expect all members of the Savannah Police Department, whether sworn or civilian, to act with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the law. We understand that community trust must be earned and kept. There is no excuse for breaking that trust. The actions of a few do not reflect the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who honorably serve our community every day. We remain committed to delivering high-quality service, and the Savannah Police Department will continue striving to earn trust through transparency, accountability, responsibility, and professional conduct.”

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson also reacted to the arrests.

“This is a sad and sobering day for our city, as well as a challenging one for these former officers, their families, their colleagues, and the entire Savannah Police Department. Accountability should not depend on your identity, uniform, or position. We entrusted these individuals with advanced technology—and even more importantly—with the public’s trust. Our promise remains strong: nobody is above the law, and everyone trusted with public confidence is accountable.”

Ongoing investigation

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Statesboro at (912) 871-1121.

MORE: Savannah Police investigating 6 employees over alleged misuse of license plate reader system

Their arrests come after a string of similar Flock abuse across the country, including an incident in Bulloch County where an investigator with the DA’s office was arrested.

SEE: Ogeechee Judicial Circuit DA’s Office gives statement on arrest of former employee, GBI investigation

WTOC will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as we work to learn more.

RELATED: Savannah mayor addresses firing of 6 officers over Flock Safety System misuse

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online , or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

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