Eight Los Angeles Deputies Dismissed Following Assault on Trans Man

In a significant move by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, eight deputies have been dismissed for their involvement in the cover-up of an incident where a trans man was violently assaulted by a deputy. The incident, which took place in February 2023, has drawn widespread attention and raised serious concerns about police misconduct and accountability.

The Incident

The case centers around Emmett Brock, a 23-year-old transgender high school teacher, who was assaulted following an interaction with Deputy Joseph Benza III. The situation unfolded when Brock, while driving past Benza who was engaged in a traffic stop, made a gesture towards the officer. Assuming Brock’s action was unnoticed, the situation quickly escalated when Benza abandoned an ongoing domestic violence call to pursue Brock for nearly two miles.

The pursuit ended in a 7-Eleven parking lot, where surveillance footage captured Benza throwing Brock to the ground. The deputy proceeded to hold Brock down and allegedly punched him for an extended period before finally arresting him. The incident left Brock with severe injuries, including a concussion and multiple contusions.

Legal Consequences

Following the incident, Deputy Benza faced legal action for his excessive use of force. Court documents revealed his guilty plea to civil rights violations and a felony count for deprivation of rights under color of law. The charges could result in a prison sentence of up to ten years for Benza.

Moreover, Benza’s admission to lying to the FBI about the incident and attempting to cover up his actions further complicated the case. He confessed that other deputies assisted in this cover-up by providing false reports and deleting incriminating evidence.

Departmental Response

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded by dismissing Benza and other involved deputies. Sheriff Robert G. Luna expressed deep concern over the breach of trust and authority demonstrated by the deputies’ actions. He stated, “These actions undermine the integrity of our Department, the trust of our community, and the safety of those we are sworn to protect.”

The case has prompted a broader discussion about the ethical responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the importance of transparency in policing.

Community Impact and Reactions

United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the broader implications of the case, highlighting how such violations erode public trust in law enforcement. He remarked, “When an officer violates someone’s civil rights, it corrodes trust in law enforcement and undermines the effectiveness of other officers who sacrifice to protect the public.”

The FBI also weighed in, with Akil Davis, Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, underscoring the agency’s dedication to protecting civil rights. He stated, “The FBI prioritizes the protection of civil rights and will pursue prosecution when warranted.”

The incident has fueled ongoing discussions about police reform and the treatment of marginalized communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, who often face heightened scrutiny and discrimination.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies, ensuring that officers uphold their duty to protect and serve all individuals fairly and justly.

As this case continues to unfold, it remains a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about justice, equality, and systemic change in policing practices. The community and advocates are watching closely as the legal proceedings and departmental changes progress, hoping for a future where such incidents are addressed swiftly and transparently.

For many, the hope is that this case will spur positive changes and inspire a renewed commitment to civil rights and justice within all levels of law enforcement.