A Suffolk man faces possible jail time after authorities accused him of damaging more than a dozen license plate readers in North Suffolk and stealing parts from them.
Jefferey S. Sovern, 41, was arrested in October after detectives said he “intentionally destroyed” 13 Flock Safety cameras between April and October. He now faces 13 counts of destruction of property, six counts of petit larceny and six counts of possessing burglary tools.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Suffolk General District Court, Sovern admitted to the crimes. He told investigators he used vice grips to help dismantle the two-piece poles and kept wiring, batteries and solar panels taken from the cameras. Police recovered some of the stolen items after searching the property.
The Suffolk News-Herald first reported the case, which emerges as multiple lawsuits challenge the legality of Flock cameras used to track vehicles.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer said intentional destruction of the devices is “extremely rare,” adding thanks to Suffolk Police for their work.
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“Flock Safety takes damage to our devices seriously, and we appreciate our local law enforcement partners investigating these incidents and holding individuals accountable,” said Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel. “We’re proud to support agencies across the country with technology that helps protect communities and solve crime.”
Flock’s technology, used in more than 6,000 communities nationwide, photographs and logs every license plate passing a camera, storing the data for 30 days. Police departments say the system can help solve crimes and significantly reduce criminal activity.
More than 600 cameras operate in Hampton Roads, including 70 in Suffolk, according to a federal court exhibit.
A Suffolk Police Department spokesperson declined to comment while the case moves through court.
Sovern, currently out on bond, could not be reached for comment. Court documents did not reveal a motive.
He also faces petit larceny charges in Chesapeake, though Chesapeake Police did not say whether that case involved Flock cameras.
10 On Your Side contacted six other major Hampton Roads cities, and only Newport News Police reported an incident involving damage to a Flock device.
“On November 8, 2025 at 12:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to Yorktown Road in reference to a report of destruction of property,” said NNPD public information officer Kelly King. “Upon arrival, officers discovered that the pole holding a camera owned by the Newport News Police Department had been destroyed. There is no suspect information at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.”
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