Livingston Parish Deputy Dustin August Fired and Arrested for Using Police Database to Stalk Someone

Livingston Parish sheriff's deputy Dustin August was dismissed from his position and arrested after supervisors discovered he accessed a law-enforcement database to stalk and harass an individual. Authorities say the misuse of sensitive police resources led to immediate disciplinary action and criminal charges.

Charges and investigation

August has been charged with stalking, malfeasance in office, and making improper phone calls related to domestic violence. The sheriff's office initiated the internal review after supervisors detected improper access to records and reported the conduct to investigators.

Broader concerns

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the potential for abuse when officers have access to confidential databases that contain personal information. Civil liberties advocates and privacy experts say strong internal controls, audit trails, and swift disciplinary measures are essential to prevent misuse and to maintain public trust.

As the criminal case proceeds, the department says it will cooperate with investigators and review its policies and oversight mechanisms. No further details about the alleged victim or the investigation timeline have been released.

Note: The allegations are subject to legal process. Charges have been filed, and the accused is entitled to due process.