KEY WEST, Fla. — A married former Monroe County sheriff’s deputy allegedly turned powerful law enforcement databases and AI-powered license plate cameras into tools for personal stalking and is now reportedly set to avoid any jail time.
Lamar Eliseo Roman, 28, was fired and arrested in March after investigators say he misused restricted systems to track a woman he met while working off-duty security on the set of the Apple TV+ series “Bad Monkey.”
According to arrest reports, video footage, and details emerging from the case, Roman encountered the woman — an extra on the production, on February 3 in Big Pine Key. He reportedly whistled at her and pursued romantic interest. She declined, telling him she had a boyfriend.
Roman then allegedly accessed law enforcement databases, including Florida’s DAVID system, to pull her personal information and vehicle details without any legitimate law enforcement purpose. He added her license plate to a “hot list” in the Flock ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) system. That move triggered real-time alerts whenever her vehicle passed any of the AI cameras deployed across the county, including privately owned ones.
Dashcam footage reportedly shows the deputy endangering the public to make the stop. On February 19, Roman allegedly sped at over 70 mph on U.S. 1, passing vehicles in a no-passing zone marked by double yellow lines. One vehicle reportedly had to swerve off the road to avoid a collision as he rushed to catch up to the woman’s SUV. He then activated his lights and sirens to pull her over, with no apparent legal pretext for the stop.
During the encounter, accounts and video from the incident indicate Roman made comments to the effect of “I told you I’d find you,” while laughing. In a separate interview video, he reportedly referred to the woman as a “shiny thing” and admitted knowing the database lookup was improper.
The outcome has raised serious questions about accountability. Despite the allegations of stalking, misuse of official systems, and reckless driving that put other motorists at risk, Roman’s criminal case has reportedly been moved to a diversionary program. Under such arrangements, charges can ultimately be dropped if he completes court-mandated conditions, meaning he could walk away without serving any prison time for what critics describe as a clear violation of the woman’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office fired Roman shortly after his March arrest on felony charges of misusing law enforcement computers, networks, and electronic devices. He had been hired just 10 months earlier, in May 2025.
This case highlights the dangers of unchecked access to surveillance technology. Systems like Flock are promoted for catching criminals, but the Roman incident shows how easily those with access can abuse them. Flock Safety has said its audit logs help detect and prosecute misuse, describing such cases as rare. Critics, however, argue that the technology creates too many opportunities for personal vendettas and lacks sufficient real-world safeguards.
The woman has not been publicly identified, consistent with protections for stalking victims. No lawsuit has been filed yet, though some observers have called for her to pursue civil action against the county.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay’s office has previously stated it is committed to transparency on both good and bad events within the agency. No additional public statement has been issued regarding the reported diversion arrangement.
The episode comes as debates intensify over the growth of government and private surveillance networks and the need for stronger protections against abuse by those entrusted with the tools.
