Official agency release
Michael Canty
Authorities’ allegations and reported case history are preserved alongside source provenance.
GA-COVINGTON-CANTY-2026-08-26
Michael Canty
Audit found an irregularly high pattern of technology use; GBI said its preliminary investigation found Canty accessed Flock for non-law-enforcement purposes.
1 linked source
Last verified August 28, 2026
//Person
Name
Michael Canty
Role title
Police Officer
Role type
Sworn law enforcement
Agency
Covington Police Department
City
Covington
County
Newton
State
Georgia
//Current status
Status
Arrested / Charged
Employment outcome
Fired
Arrest date
August 26, 2026
Jail
Unknown
Case-status notes
Placed on administrative leave, terminated, and arrested by GBI Aug. 26, 2026; investigation ongoing.
//Alleged conduct and technology
Why this case is in the database
Audit found an irregularly high pattern of technology use; GBI said its preliminary investigation found Canty accessed Flock for non-law-enforcement purposes.
Technology type
Audit found an irregularly high pattern of technology use; GBI said its preliminary investigation found Canty accessed Flock for non-law-enforcement purposes.; Automated License Plate Reader
Reported vendor
Flock Safety
Vendor note
Unknown
Reported product
Unknown
Misuse start
Unknown
Misuse end
Unknown
Known alleged search count
Unknown
Known duration
Unknown
Misuse of official systemNon-law-enforcement useUnauthorized search
//Discovery and investigation
Discovery method
Department audit / internal investigation
Investigating agency
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Known charge count
2
Charges
Misuse of a License Plate Reader System; Violation of Oath of Office
//Timeline
Charges updated
Misuse of a License Plate Reader System; Violation of Oath of Office
Department audit / internal investigation
Placed on administrative leave, terminated, and arrested by GBI Aug. 26, 2026; investigation ongoing.
Terminated
Placed on administrative leave, terminated, and arrested by GBI Aug. 26, 2026; investigation ongoing.
Arrested / Charged
Placed on administrative leave, terminated, and arrested by GBI Aug. 26, 2026; investigation ongoing.
Arrested / Charged
Placed on administrative leave, terminated, and arrested by GBI Aug. 26, 2026; investigation ongoing.