Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Accessed My Record And Shared My Personal Information With Multiple Unauthorized People. What Legal Options Do I Have?

I’m looking for general legal guidance regarding a situation involving a county sheriff’s department lieutenant.

A lieutenant with the county sheriff’s department accessed my records through a law-enforcement database. This lieutenant personally knows me. The lieutenant took a screenshot containing my mugshot, a partial driver’s license number, and other personally identifiable information (PII) and shared it with an adult family member of the lieutenant, who is not a law-enforcement employee and had no official reason to receive it. That screenshot was then shared with several other unauthorized individuals.

The screenshot clearly shows the information was accessed using the lieutenant’s official login credentials. I have proof that the image was shared.

I have already: • Filed a public records / open records complaint with the state Attorney General’s Office • Contacted the county sheriff’s department • Attempted to involve the state highway patrol, but they stated an investigation request must come from an authorized agency (AG, sheriff, etc.)

My questions: 1. Does this potentially violate public records laws, the DPPA, or other state or federal privacy laws? 2. Are there civil claims available for misuse of law-enforcement databases or unauthorized disclosure of PII, especially where the employee personally knew the subject and shared the information with multiple people? 3. If the Attorney General declines to pursue it, what realistic next steps exist (civil attorney, federal complaint, etc.)? 4. Are actual damages required to bring a civil claim, or does the violation itself carry legal consequences?

I’m not seeking retaliation—just accountability and guidance on what legal avenues exist for this type of misconduct.

Any general information would be appreciated. I understand this is not formal legal advice.

Location: MO.