Eight LA Deputies Fired Following Beating of Trans Man in 2023

Deputy Joseph Benza pleads guilty to civil rights violation as federal investigation uncovers cover-up and misconduct within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputy Joseph Benza III admitted to violating the civil rights of Emmett Brock, a transgender man, during a 2023 arrest and faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has dismissed eight deputies, including several sergeants, for their roles in the incident and subsequent cover-up efforts.
Benza abandoned a domestic violence call to pursue Brock after the latter made a gesture at him, later using excessive force during the arrest and fabricating details in his report.
Evidence revealed deputies coordinated efforts to obstruct the investigation, including deleting texts and falsifying incident reports.
All charges against Brock have been dropped, and he has filed a federal lawsuit alleging false imprisonment, civil rights violations, and assault and battery.