Former Cecil County Deputy Pleads Guilty to Misusing Police Databases for Personal Searches

Dontae D. Odom, a former Cecil County Sheriff's Deputy, pleaded guilty to four counts of misconduct in office and three counts of unauthorized access to a computer for improperly using sensitive law enforcement databases to look up private information on seven individuals, including his wife, romantic partners, and others unrelated to legitimate police work. Despite being trained and warned against such misuse, Odom repeatedly accessed the Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Resource System (METERS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for personal reasons between 2021 and 2025. His misconduct continued even after a no-contact order was issued against him in December 2024, as he met with one victim in March 2025 and secretly recorded their conversation without consent. Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III condemned Odom's actions as a betrayal of public trust and underscored the commitment to prosecuting law enforcement officers who misuse their power. Odom resigned shortly before charges were filed and is scheduled for sentencing on November 19, 2025. The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability within law enforcement agencies when officers violate the laws they are sworn to uphold.