Texas man seeks to overturn 60-year sentence over Flock camera surveillance

Who's involved

• Charles Brownleedefendant seeking to overturn conviction
• Brownlee's legal teamarguing the conviction should be overturned
• 5th Circuit Courtcourt reviewing Brownlee's challenge
• Judge Sara E. Hillfederal judge who ruled Flock camera use unconstitutional in another case

The facts

• Charles Brownlee was found guilty of five armed robberies in 2024.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Brownlee was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the robberies.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Authorities used Flock cameras to monitor Brownlee's vehicle movements and create a pattern of life.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Brownlee previously sought to toss the Flock data before trial, but the judge denied the request.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• A federal judge ruled Flock camera use to track a drug trafficking suspect's movements across state lines was unconstitutional.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Tens of thousands of Flock cameras operate across Texas.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Brownlee's legal team Police should have obtained a search warrant before accessing Flock databases.^{1 2}
• Brownlee's legal team The pattern was obtained through unconstitutional surveillance methods enabled by Flock camera networks.^{1 2}
• Judge Sara E. Hill Freedom from persistent dragnet surveillance while in public is a reasonable expectation society accepts.^{1 2}