Man Charged with Felonies for Destroying 3D-Printed Decoy Flock Camera

Decoy Camera Operation Leads to Arrest

A police department in Oviedo, Florida, deployed 3D-printed decoy Flock cameras to conduct a sting operation targeting individuals who vandalize surveillance equipment. Officers monitored these fake cameras, which were designed to resemble real Flock cameras but did not collect data or cost the same amount. The operation resulted in the arrest of Evan Meyer, who was charged with three felonies after he cut down and destroyed one of the plastic devices.

Felony Charges for Low-Value Item

Despite the decoy camera being made of plastic filament and having a material cost of only a few dollars, Meyer faces charges of attempted larceny/grand theft, criminal mischief of property damage worth more than $1,000, and property crimes against computer equipment supplies. The arrest report indicates that the operation was initiated after several real Flock cameras in Oviedo were stolen between late July and early August. Police valued the actual cost to replace a real Flock camera at $800 plus installation fees.

Lack of Transparency and Mayoral Ignorance

The police department has refused to release information regarding the planning or execution of the decoy operation, claiming there is no paper trail. Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek stated she was unaware of the sting operation and expressed her surprise. Meyer reportedly told police he was influenced by negative information online about Flock cameras and decided to remove the one closest to his home.