Talladega man allegedly shoots Flock cameras he believed were a ‘violation of his privacy’
Each complaint alleges more than $2,500 in damage to the camera systems.
Ethan Parker 
A Talladega man is facing serious legal trouble after authorities say he took his disdain for surveillance technology into his own hands. Colton Dorough, 36, was arrested on July 29 for allegedly targeting and damaging multiple Flock Camera Systems owned by the Talladega County Commission.
Serious Charges for Surveillance Sabotage
Dorough is currently held on a $200,000 bond, according to jail records. He faces 10 counts across six criminal complaints filed in Talladega County District Court, including charges for first-degree criminal mischief and damage to utility or cable property. Each complaint notes that the damage to the camera systems exceeds $2,500.
Court records indicate that in four of these instances, Dorough allegedly used a firearm to shoot the cameras. While the method of destruction for the remaining two complaints remains unspecified, the motive appears clear. District Attorney Steve Giddens reported that Dorough told investigators he attacked the units because he viewed them as a direct "violation of his privacy."
Context on Flock Camera Usage
Flock cameras, or Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems, are standard tools used by law enforcement agencies to monitor and track vehicle activity on highways and throughout city streets. While these systems are designed to enhance public safety, they have recently been a subject of controversy elsewhere in Alabama.
As previously reported by 205focus.com, two police officers in St. Clair County—one in Springville and one in Moody—were removed from their positions in July following investigations into the suspected misuse of the technology. Moody Mayor Nick Rutledge noted that the city maintains a "zero tolerance" policy regarding the misuse of LPRs, emphasizing that such tools are vital for maintaining public safety when used appropriately.
Efforts to reach Dorough’s appointed attorney, Charley Tudsico, for comment on the ongoing criminal case were not immediately successful.
