HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Former Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigator Justin Brown turned himself in at the Hall County Jail after facing multiple criminal charges brought by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Brown, 42, of Dahlonega, is charged with two counts of violation of oath of office and two miscellaneous offenses following an investigation into the unauthorized use of law enforcement technology, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in an update Wednesday.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Brown was fired from the sheriff’s office on Aug. 19, 2026, after an internal audit revealed he misused the agency’s Flock camera system for personal reasons. Following the discovery of policy violations, the sheriff’s office referred the matter to the GBI for criminal prosecution.
An internal audit of the agency’s Flock system revealed that Justin Brown performed unauthorized searches on at least two vehicle tag numbers without a legitimate law enforcement purpose. Brown had been employed as an investigator with the sheriff’s office since December 2022.
Major Brad Parks of the HCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau addressed the internal breach and its impact on public trust.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Death investigation shuts down I-20 ramp
- 3 men accused of illegally possessing more than 100 Viagra pills without prescription
- Georgia mother, son found dead after collapsing in yard
“This action is an embarrassment to our agency,” Parks said. “We fully understand these choices increase mistrust when it comes to Flock use. The system is a valuable tool, instrumental in helping our men and women catch criminals, such as recent murder suspect Antwane Thurmond; however, we are committed only to its proper use for legitimate law enforcement purposes.”
Sheriff’s office officials noted that all criminal charges associated with the arrest originate from the GBI’s independent investigation.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is directing the criminal investigation into Brown and officials indicated that all inquiries regarding the charges should be submitted to the state bureau. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its audit of its Flock camera system and usage protocols.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
