Sharonville police lieutenant indicted over alleged misuse of license plate cameras

A police lieutenant faces a felony charge after prosecutors accused him of using license plate surveillance technology to track someone for personal reasons. 

Hamilton County prosecutors announced that Lt. Walter Cordes of Sharonville was indicted on Oct. 13, 2026, on one count of unauthorized use of a computer, cable or telecommunications property.

Police lieutenant allegedly conducted 29 unauthorized searches

Authorities allege he accessed the department’s Flock Safety camera system 29 times between Dec. 19, 2024, and April 20, 2026, to obtain information about someone’s whereabouts for reasons unrelated to law enforcement.  

According to Hamilton County prosecutors, Cordes used the Flock camera system to track someone he knew for personal reasons.

The alleged activity came to light during an internal audit of the department’s use of surveillance technology. Prosecutors said Cordes acknowledged conducting the searches during an interview, prompting an investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.  

Sharonville Police Chief Jim Nesbit said the department strengthened its safeguards and referred the case to an outside agency for an independent investigation.

The department also placed Cordes on unpaid administrative leave and suspended his access to department systems, according to local news reports.

Nesbit said the department is organizing additional training for officers on the proper use of law enforcement technology. He also indicated that the department would continue using Flock cameras to investigate crimes and locate missing people.  

Flock camera case raises privacy and accountability concerns

Flock Safety cameras use automated license plate recognition technology to capture vehicle information. Law enforcement agencies can use the data to help investigate crimes, identify vehicles connected to incidents and locate missing people.

However, the technology has faced scrutiny over privacy concerns and the potential for unauthorized access to information about people’s movements.

The Sharonville case highlights the importance of monitoring how officers use these systems and ensuring searches serve legitimate law enforcement purposes.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich emphasized that surveillance technology must be accompanied by safeguards that protect individual rights and maintain public trust.

The case also comes amid broader debate over the use of automated license plate readers in Greater Cincinnati. Some jurisdictions have halted or canceled their Flock Safety contracts over concerns about surveillance and potential misuse.  

What charges does the Sharonville lieutenant face?

Cordes faces one count of unauthorized use of a computer, cable or telecommunications property, a fifth-degree felony under Ohio law.

If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 12 months in prison. The charge stems from allegations that he used the surveillance system for purposes unrelated to his official duties.  

On Oct. 14, Cordes surrendered to authorities and entered a written plea of not guilty through his attorney. He was subsequently released on bond, according to FOX19 NOW. His next court date had not been scheduled in the outlet’s Oct. 15 report.  

Cordes remains accused of wrongdoing, and the criminal case has not established his guilt. The police department’s internal investigation is also ongoing.

As the case proceeds, questions remain about the effectiveness of existing safeguards, the oversight of surveillance technology and how law enforcement agencies can prevent similar incidents.

Sharonville is a city in southwestern Ohio, in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. It is located in both Hamilton and Butler counties, approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of downtown Cincinnati.