SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The GBI has arrested and charged four people connected to the Savannah Police Department with crimes related to misuse of a license plate reader system.
- Marquis Dillard, 48, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
- Donald Phillips, 23, of Fleming, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
- Matthew Rich, 39, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
- Calandic Thomas, 34, of Pooler, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Savannah Police Department fires 6 employees over Flock Safety System misuse
At the time of the offenses the GBI said Dillard, Phillips and Rich were employed as police officers, and Thomas was employed as a community service specialist with the Savannah Police Department.
Investigation background
On July 29, 2026, the Savannah Police Department asked the GBI to investigate allegations of license plate reader misuse following an internal audit of the Flock Safety System.
Preliminary information shows the four subjects accessed the Flock Safety System for non-law enforcement purposes.
Dillard, Phillips, Rich and Thomas were booked into the Chatham County Jail.
Mayor, police chief respond
In press release, the Savannah Police Department said it is aware of the arrests of three former officers and one former civilian staff member. The department said it will continue to work with the GBI as the investigation continues…