By Corruption by Cops
PUNTA GORDA, FL – A Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputy was caught misusing a restricted law enforcement database to dig up personal information on a local activist known for exposing police misconduct.
The activist, Andrew Sheets, runs Charlotte County Cop Watch, a platform that monitors alleged corruption and abuse within local law enforcement. Sheets has been outspoken against the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for years, and he believes this latest incident is yet another example of retaliation.
Activist Claims He’s Been Targeted for Years
Sheets, who describes himself as a libertarian and government watchdog, says law enforcement in Charlotte County has had it out for him since he launched Cop Watch. The platform has gained significant traction, pulling in 2.5 million views per month and totaling over 36 million views since it started.
“Charlotte County cops absolutely hate me,” Sheets said.
Recently, after he posted a critical comment about CCSO on an online law enforcement forum, his personal details—name, address, website, and phone number—were suddenly leaked across multiple chatrooms associated with the site.
“They blasted all my personal info in three different chat rooms,” Sheets said.
Sheriff’s Deputy Caught Accessing Private Data
Through his own research, and with the help of an attorney, Sheets uncovered that Deputy Robert Tuck had accessed his personal information using DAVID (Driver and Vehicle Information Database)—a restricted law enforcement system meant strictly for official police work.
“He ran my name, searched my info, and there was no legitimate reason for it,” Sheets said.
Sheets filed a complaint against Tuck three weeks ago, and while the sheriff’s office did acknowledge the violation, Tuck only received a letter of reprimand—a slap on the wrist. The Sun newspaper obtained a copy of the letter, which confirmed that Tuck had accessed the system without official justification.
Sheriff’s Office Calls It a ‘Minor Violation’
Despite the clear misuse of power, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office refused to conduct an internal affairs investigation.
According to CCSO spokesman Skip Conroy, the issue was classified as an “observed infraction”, meaning the department considered it minor and handled it internally.
“There was no need for an investigation. The incident was handled with a reprimand,” Conroy stated.
The letter warns Tuck that further violations “may result in more serious disciplinary action,” but Sheets isn’t satisfied with the outcome.
“A letter of reprimand is a joke,” he said.
Activist Demands Further Action
Frustrated with the lack of accountability, Sheets has now taken his case to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and is considering suing the sheriff’s office.
The controversy could also have political consequences, as Sheriff Bill Prummell faces a tough re-election battle against Democratic challenger Jim Melo and independent candidate Ed Pope in the upcoming November election.
For many, this incident highlights a bigger issue—law enforcement officers abusing their access to private information without any real consequences.
