At least eight deputies at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have been relieved of their duties amid evidence of their role in February 2023 during an arrest and beating that followed a transgender man named Emmett Brock. According to The Los Angeles Times, it is under FBI investigation.
Deputy Joseph Benza III, the lead officer accused, entered his plea last week before the federal court on the single count of deprivation of rights under the color of law, a felony under federal law punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years. Benza has court appearance on January 17 wherein his lawyer, Tom Yu, will ask probation for his client.
Brock’s ordeal began when he gave Benza the middle finger while driving past him on February 10, 2023. Benza abandoned a domestic violence call to follow Brock for nearly two miles before pulling him over in a 7-Eleven parking lot. Video footage shows Benza aggressively taking Brock to the ground without stating the reason for the stop. For three minutes, Benza punched Brock, who can be heard repeatedly saying, “I’m not resisting.”
Brock sustained bruises, scrapes, and a concussion. Charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor, Brock was later cleared of all charges, as a judge declared him innocent. Brock also alleged officers at the station made inappropriate comments about his gender during booking.
Investigations revealed discrepancies in Benza’s account, including false claims about Brock’s actions and the use of a dangling air freshener as a pretext for the stop. Evidence showed Benza and others attempted to obstruct the investigation, exchanging messages to delete incriminating information.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna denounced the misconduct, saying it is damaging to public trust. Brock has filed a federal lawsuit alleging false imprisonment, civil rights violations, and assault.
Brock works at a homeless shelter, is completing a master’s degree, and says he feels trauma but is happy with the accountability as a healing step.
