LMPD detective shared login to Flock camera system with DEA agent conducting immigration search

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville assistant police chief was demoted earlier this year after a detective shared his login credentials for the department's Flock surveillance camera system to a federal immigration agent.

Louisville Metro Police said Tuesday that a Professional Standards Unit investigation found Detective Wesley Troutman shared the login with an agent in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In February or March 2025, LMPD said that DEA agent then used the log-in to "search the system using immigration-related terms."

Troutman — who was assigned to a DEA task force — was disciplined for sharing the information. Lt. Jeremy Ruoff was disciplined for "providing inappropriate guidance" to Troutman and Assistant Chief Lt. Col. Nick Owen was demoted to lieutenant for "failing to follow direct orders and not providing relevant information to the Chief."

"Addressing issues directly, asking tough questions and making difficult decisions are the fundamentals of leadership," Chief Paul Humphrey said in a written statement Tuesday. "They are essential to accountability and trust. When an issue was raised, we investigated it, took corrective action, and reinforced the standards and expectations for LMPD. Those involved have had excellent careers and I expect nothing less from them going forward."

The DEA said in a written statement Tuesday its agents "use every available tool" to perform their duties, which regularly involved using information shared from other law enforcement agencies.

"In this particular instance, the agent involved was not aware that the use of Flock data for immigration investigations and enforcement operations was a violation of the City of Louisville’s policies," a DEA spokesperson said. "At the end of the day, as federal law enforcement officers, DEA Special Agents have a duty to investigate and arrest individuals who violate federal laws and we will continue to meet that obligation with professionalism and compassion."

LMPD said its internal investigation found no evidence anyone with the department participated in civil immigration investigation or enforcement.

An attorney for Troutman said Tuesday that he was "completely uninvolved" with the Flock searches in question and only learned they occurred after the fact.

"Detective Troutman’s password-sharing with DEA was done for the sole purpose of furthering criminal investigations only—something which is Detective Troutman’s duty under Kentucky law, and his duty as a DEA task force member, and something which the citizens of Louisville rightly expect him to do," his attorney said.

According to his attorney, Troutman never "knowingly approved" the use of his password to anyone.

"Detective Troutman believed—and had every right to believe—that DEA use of his FLOCK password would relate solely to criminal investigations," his attorney said. "As most informed Americans know, the official task of the DEA is drug enforcement, and not immigration enforcement, an activity dedicated to a separate agency. Detective Troutman has no connection to ICE or its activities."

Since this happened, LMPD said it's made the following changes:

Implemented two-factor authentication for the Flock system
Tightened rules to require a valid National Incident-Based Reporting System code for every search, ensuring each search is tied to a criminal investigation
Activated filters on Flock data, blocking any other law enforcement agency from conducting an immigration-related search
Revised internal LMPD immigration policy to apply it to all other agencies requesting assistance from LMPD
Strengthened its password-sharing policy

"These steps reflect LMPD's commitment to accountability, data integrity, and ensuring policies are followed," the department said.

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