ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg Police Department employee is facing charges, accused of giving confidential information to a man who then used the info to steal a dead man’s car.
Traffic investigation assistant Robin Conyers, a longtime civilian employee at St. Pete P.D. is now on unpaid administrative leave after investigators say she used a confidential driver and vehicle information database “DAVID” to access information about a deceased man.
“It’s extremely disappointing for all of us that work here,” St. Pete Police Spokesperson Yolanda Fernandez said. “She knew the rules, she knew the expectations and the police that you’re not supposed to access the database unless you have legitimate police business."
Police say Conyers took it a step further out of police business when she texted information she found to Delon Walton. Investigators say Walton then forged power of attorney paperwork to get the title of the dead man’s car put in his landscaping business’ name. The sister of the deceased, who handled his estate, told police she never authorized the change.
“That's theft, that’s fraud so he faces a number of charges. He was arrested last month, but clearly he was getting his information from her,” Fernandez explained.
Walton is facing charges including criminal use of personal identification information of a deceased person, perjury, scheme to defraud and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Conyers is facing charges of misuse of confidential information, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and offense against computer users.
Police say their exact relationship is unknown, but the two were acquaintances who had frequent conversations on cell phones.
DAVID gives users access to every Florida driver’s license number, photo, address, signature, medical and disability information, Social Security number, date of birth, vehicle information and emergency contact info.
Government agencies, including police, have access to the database to assist with investigations.
Agencies who use the system must hold frequent trainings and conduct audits every quarter to uncover potential misuse.
St. Pete P.D. says the investigation unfolded after an audit by a supervisor uncovered red flags in Conyers’ use of the system, and they say it shows their system of checks and balances is working.
“We take confidentiality very seriously. It's the law. We are trained on this all the time and have rules and policies in place to make sure that we are all aware to keep this information confidential,” Fernandez said. “This just isn't acceptable.”
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10 Investigates’ reporting on DAVID misuse led to changes in state law.
If you suspect DAVID misuse, you can submit a complaint to the FLHSMV.
You can also submit a public records request for DAVID searches of your name. To request your search history, email DAVIDPublicRecordRequest@flhsmv.gov and include your full name, driver's license number and the time period you want to request.