Daniel Heith Little faces 18 counts following an internal audit and state investigation.
BOLIVIA, NC — A former Brunswick County sheriff’s deputy faces 18 criminal charges following an investigation into unauthorized searches in the department’s license plate reader database.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has arrested Daniel Heith Little, 47, a Former Brunswick County Sheriff’s Lieutenant on October 5 after a grand jury indicted him on six counts each of accessing a government computer, misusing an automated license plate reader system, and failing to discharge his duties. Prosecutors allege that between February and August 2026, Little used his county-issued phone and computer to run vehicle plates through the Flock Safety system without a law enforcement purpose.
The charges stem from a routine audit by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Brian Chism said suspicious activity flagged during the review triggered an Internal Affairs probe. Little resigned during the investigation, which was then referred to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Chism emphasized that the allegations involve a single employee and do not reflect how deputies typically use the technology. Public records do not show that Little was placed on administrative leave before resigning.
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The case has renewed scrutiny over Flock Safety cameras, which track license plates and vehicle descriptions for police investigations, a technology praised by law enforcement but criticized by privacy advocates for oversight risks. County officials have paused new plate-reader contracts while reviewing usage practices.
Little’s was released on an unsecured bond, next court appearance in Brunswick County Superior Court is set for December 8, 2026.
A message from BCSO released on October 7, 2026 at 12:35 p.m.
“A true bill of indictment has been handed down in the case involving former BCSO employee Daniel Little. We will continue to fully cooperate with the SBI and allow the justice system to do its job.
This is a disappointing situation, and one we have taken seriously from the beginning. We have a responsibility to ensure that law enforcement technology is used appropriately and in accordance with our policies. Those policies are clear, and we will continue to enforce them and address any misuse appropriately.
ALPR remains an important law enforcement and investigative tool, and we remain committed to ensuring it is used responsibly and only for legitimate law enforcement purposes.”
All individuals named in this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue
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