● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
Driver awarded $76 after ALPR-triggered traffic stop led to unconstitutional drug searches
Key points
- Alek Schott sued Bexar County over an unconstitutional traffic stop.
- Deputies used ALPR data and a WhatsApp tip to target Schott.
- The stated reason for the stop, "lane drifting," was false.
- Schott was awarded $76, representing $1 per minute of detention.
Jury Rules Against Bexar County
A federal jury in Texas ruled in favor of Alek Schott, who sued Bexar County and its sheriff. Schott alleged an "unconstitutional traffic stop scheme" enabled by "AI-powered" license plate readers (ALPRs). The jury awarded Schott $76, symbolizing one dollar for each minute he was detained during the incident.
Details of the Traffic Stop
In March 2022, Schott was pulled over in Bexar County by Deputy Joel Babb, who initially cited "lane drifting" as the reason. Babb later admitted this reason was false. The actual basis for the stop was a tip from "Kiki," an individual allegedly working with a federal fusion center in Laredo, who had access to real-time ALPR data.
ALPR Data and Suspicion
Kiki informed Babb via a law enforcement WhatsApp group that Schott's truck had made a suspicious "one-day turnaround" trip. Schott, who sells oilfield supplies, had driven from Houston to Carrizo Springs, stayed one night, and returned to Houston. Authorities interpreted this travel pattern as potentially indicative of smuggling activity. Babb, part of the "Criminal Interdiction Unit," then waited for Schott's vehicle and initiated the stop.
Legal Action and Outcome
Schott filed a complaint with the Sheriff’s Office after the stop, but was told no violation occurred and advised to sue if he had an issue. He proceeded with the lawsuit, leading to the recent jury decision. The $76 award was the specific amount Schott requested as symbolic compensation for his detention.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
A federal jury awarded Alek Schott $76 after finding that Bexar County deputies conducted an unconstitutional traffic stop and search based on an ALPR alert. The stop, initiated by a tip from a federal fusion center, was based on Schott's "one-day turnaround" trip, which deputies falsely claimed was for "lane drifting."