A former deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in the Florida Keys has been arrested and charged after investigators say he improperly accessed law enforcement databases to track down a woman he met while working security on the set of a television production.
According to documents obtained by Local 10 News and statements from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Deputy Lamar Eliseo Roman, 28, allegedly used official law enforcement systems to obtain personal information about the woman and later conducted a traffic stop after pursuing her vehicle at high speed.
Roman has since been terminated from the agency.
Incident Originated on Television Production Set
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office warrant report, Roman was working security on February 3 on the set of the television series “Bad Monkey,” a streaming show filmed in the Florida Keys and starring Vince Vaughn.
The show is based on a novel by South Florida author Carl Hiaasen.
Investigators reported that Roman first encountered the woman when she exited an extras bus on Big Pine Key.
Authorities stated in the report that Roman allegedly:
- Whistled at the woman as she exited the bus
- Made a comment investigators described as a “cat call,” stating loudly, “Oh my god, why didn’t nobody tell me we were bringing models to the set.”
- Spoke with the woman afterward and exchanged names and phone numbers
Investigators said the woman told Roman she had a boyfriend. Despite that, authorities reported the deputy continued to flirt with her during the interaction.
According to the report, Roman allegedly told her:
“I need your name and number just in case I pull you over someday.”
Investigators also said Roman later sent her a direct message on Instagram that was not answered.
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Alleged Use of Law Enforcement Databases
Authorities said Roman later accessed multiple law enforcement databases to obtain information about the woman.
According to investigators, those systems included:
- Florida’s Driver And Vehicle Information Database (DAVID)
- Florida Crime Information Center / National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC)
Investigators allege Roman used those systems to look up the woman’s information and entered her vehicle license plate into a “hotlist.”
A hotlist entry allows the vehicle to trigger alerts if it is detected by license plate reader systems.
Authorities state the use of these databases must be connected to legitimate law enforcement purposes.
High-Speed Pursuit and Traffic Stop
Investigators said Roman received an alert on February 19 indicating the woman’s license plate had been detected.
Dash camera footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed Roman accelerating to approximately 70 miles per hour on U.S. 1 while attempting to catch up to the vehicle.
According to the warrant report, investigators alleged Roman:
- Passed two dump trucks in a no-passing zone
- Passed an additional SUV while attempting to catch up to the vehicle
- Nearly caused a head-on collision when an oncoming truck had to veer off the roadway
Authorities said the traffic stop occurred approximately two minutes later near Bobalu’s Southern Café on Big Coppitt Key.
Roman’s in-car camera recorded video of the stop but did not capture audio because he was not wearing his microphone, according to investigators.
Statements During the Traffic Stop
According to investigators, the woman later told authorities that the stop made her uncomfortable due to statements Roman allegedly made during the encounter.
The report states Roman allegedly referenced her earlier statement about having a boyfriend and asked why she had not followed him on Instagram.
Investigators said the woman asked Roman how he knew it was her vehicle.
According to the report, Roman responded by referencing a previous statement he had made that he would eventually pull her over.
Authorities also said Roman did not log the traffic stop in official records.
Admission During Internal Interview
Investigators interviewed Roman on March 4 regarding the database searches and the traffic stop.
According to the report, Roman acknowledged accessing the DAVID system and told investigators he knew immediately that the search was improper.
During the interview, investigators reported Roman stated he had intended to stop the vehicle simply to greet the woman.
When asked if he had pursued the vehicle to say hello, investigators said Roman responded affirmatively and acknowledged the decision was inappropriate.
Arrest and Criminal Charge
Despite the woman reportedly telling investigators she did not want to pursue criminal charges, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office proceeded with the case.
Authorities arrested Roman on Tuesday on one charge of accessing a computer or electronic device without authority.
According to jail records:
- Roman was booked into the Monroe County jail facility in Key West
- He was no longer listed as an active inmate as of Wednesday
- He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 26 in a Florida Keys courtroom
Roman had worked for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for less than one year.
Statement From Sheriff Rick Ramsay
Following the arrest, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay issued a brief statement addressing the incident.
Ramsay said the agency remains committed to transparency regarding significant events involving personnel.
The sheriff stated the office would inform the public about incidents affecting the agency, including those involving alleged misconduct.
Similar Prior Case in Monroe County
Authorities also referenced a prior case involving another Monroe County deputy who misused law enforcement databases.
Former deputy Jennifer Ketcham, 42, was convicted in November and sentenced to three years in prison for multiple felonies related to the misuse of official systems.
According to prosecutors, Ketcham used law enforcement databases to obtain sensitive information and provided it to her then-boyfriend, who authorities described as a drug dealer.
Officials said the information sharing placed law enforcement officers at risk and allegedly contributed to the severe beating of a confidential informant.
Current Status
- Deputy Lamar Eliseo Roman has been terminated from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
- He has been charged with accessing a computer or electronic device without authority
- He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on March 26
- The investigation and prosecution remain ongoing
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge does the former deputy face?
Roman has been charged with accessing a computer or electronic device without authority, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office records.
Did the woman request charges?
According to investigators, the woman told authorities she did not wish to pursue criminal charges. The sheriff’s office nevertheless proceeded with the investigation and arrest.
What databases were allegedly misused?
Investigators said Roman accessed:
- Florida’s Driver And Vehicle Information Database (DAVID)
- Florida Crime Information Center / National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC)
These systems are intended for legitimate law enforcement use only.
What is the significance of a “hotlist” entry?
A hotlist entry allows a vehicle license plate to generate alerts when detected by automated license plate reader systems.
Authorities say such entries must be tied to legitimate law enforcement investigations.
Continue the Analysis
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