The Brief Former Vidalia police Sgt. Santonio Wilcher was arrested for allegedly misusing a license plate reader system. Investigators said Wilcher accessed the Flock Safety System multiple times for non-law enforcement purposes. Wilcher was booked into the Toombs County Jail following an internal police audit.



A former Vidalia Police Department sergeant faces criminal charges after state investigators said he repeatedly misused a law enforcement license plate reader system for personal reasons.

Vidalia police investigation

What we know:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested 37-year-old Santonio Wilcher of Lyons after an internal audit at the Vidalia Police Department.

Department leaders contacted state agents on Oct. 14 to look into potential employee misconduct.

Investigators determined Wilcher accessed the Flock Safety System multiple times for non-law enforcement reasons, according to the GBI.

Wilcher is no longer employed with the police department and was booked into the Toombs County Jail on two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and violation of oath of office.

Legal process

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released details regarding the specific searches Wilcher allegedly performed on the license plate system.

Officials also have not stated whether Wilcher turned himself in or was taken into custody by agents.

What's next:

Once agents finish the active investigation, the file will go to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.
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