Written by: Sam Orlando
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA - In a significant development concerning police misconduct, eight deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) have been dismissed following the assault of a transgender man, Emmett Brock. The incident, which occurred in February 2023, has raised serious concerns about the use of excessive force and subsequent attempts to conceal the misconduct.
Incident Overview
On February 10, 2023, Deputy Joseph Benza III, 36, was en route to a domestic violence call when he encountered 23-year-old high school teacher, Emmett Brock. Brock, expressing frustration, made a constitutionally protected gesture by raising his middle finger at Benza. In response, Benza abandoned his assigned call and pursued Brock for nearly two miles to a 7-Eleven parking lot in Whittier, California. Surveillance footage from the scene shows Benza approaching Brock without provocation, violently body-slamming him to the ground, and delivering multiple punches to his head and face. Brock sustained significant injuries, including a concussion, contusions, and abrasions.
False Reporting and Cover-Up
Following the assault, Benza filed an incident report that falsely claimed he stopped Brock for having an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror, omitting the true reason for the pursuit. He also alleged that Brock had bitten him during the altercation, a claim unsubstantiated by medical reports. Further investigations revealed that Benza, along with other deputies and sergeants, engaged in discussions to delete incriminating text messages and coordinated false statements to mislead federal authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Departmental Actions
In December 2024, Benza agreed to plead guilty to a federal civil rights violation for using excessive force, a charge carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His attorney has indicated plans to seek probation. Subsequently, the LASD confirmed that Benza, along with seven other deputies involved in the cover-up, have been relieved of duty. Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated that such actions undermine the integrity of the department and violate public trust.
Victim's Response
Brock, who lost his teaching position following the incident, expressed relief at the guilty plea, emphasizing the importance of accountability in law enforcement. He has since filed a federal lawsuit alleging false imprisonment, civil rights violations, and assault and battery.
Ongoing Investigations
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the case, focusing on the extent of the cover-up and the involvement of other deputies and sergeants in obstructing justice. This incident underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and uphold civil rights.
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