A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy, Joseph Benza III, has entered a guilty plea to a federal civil rights charge following an incident where he assaulted a transgender man, Emmett Brock. The altercation arose when Brock, exercising his First Amendment rights, directed an obscene hand gesture toward Benza while driving. This gesture, although considered offensive, remains protected under constitutional free speech rights.
The confrontation occurred on February 10, 2023, when Benza, en route to a domestic violence call in Whittier, diverted his attention to pursue Brock after seeing the gesture. Instead of continuing to his original duty, Benza trailed Brock’s vehicle for 1.8 miles. Concerned, Brock reported the situation to 911 and eventually stopped in a 7-Eleven parking lot. Benza, having activated his patrol lights, seized Brock and engaged in violent physical force without issuing verbal commands.
Footage shared by Brock’s legal team depicts the deputy throwing Brock to the ground, striking him in the head, pressing his face into the pavement, leading to a concussion and other injuries. Post-incident, Benza filed a misleading report, omitting the gesture and falsely accusing Brock of resisting arrest.
This case, widely reported including by federal authorities, spotlights significant lapses in law enforcement conduct. In court, Benza admitted to excessive, unjustified use of force, motivated by anger. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada remarked that law enforcement officials must uphold the civil rights of everyone, and breaches undermine public confidence and the integrity of their position.
Benza’s forthcoming sentencing, scheduled for April 22, 2025, may lead to a maximum ten-year federal prison term. Both the FBI and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division emphasized a commitment to holding law enforcement members accountable and preventing the misuse of authority.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about forceful policing practices, particularly against marginalized and transgender communities, and reaffirms the indispensability of constitutional rights during contentious interactions. Brock, while welcoming the guilty plea, noted the enduring emotional and physical impact inflicted by the encounter.
Further details on the case can be found at JURIST.