LOS ANGELES, CA – At least eight deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have been relieved of duty as federal authorities continue investigating the alleged beating of a transgender man and a subsequent cover-up, officials confirmed.
The disciplinary actions follow a guilty plea from former Deputy Joseph Benza III, who admitted to using excessive force during a confrontation in February 2023 and later lying to federal investigators.
The incident began when Benza, 36, was responding to a domestic violence call in Whittier but diverted after spotting 23-year-old Emmett Brock, a transgender teacher, giving him the middle finger. According to court documents, Benza abandoned his initial call and instead followed Brock to a 7-Eleven parking lot, where surveillance footage captured the violent encounter.
Video evidence shows Benza tackling Brock to the ground without provocation, restraining him, and repeatedly punching him in the head while Brock screamed for help. The altercation lasted approximately three minutes before Brock was handcuffed and placed in Benza’s patrol vehicle.
Federal prosecutors said Benza later lied about the incident, claiming Brock had assaulted him. Investigators also allege that multiple deputies and sergeants obstructed the investigation by falsifying reports and attempting to conceal evidence.
Benza has agreed to plead guilty to civil rights violations and obstruction of justice, facing a potential sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
In light of the investigation, eight additional LASD personnel, including several sergeants, have been placed on administrative leave pending further review of their involvement in the case.
“This kind of misconduct erodes public trust and undermines the work of deputies who are dedicated to protecting the community,” LASD officials said in a statement. “We are cooperating fully with the federal investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.”
Brock, who suffered head injuries and nerve damage, has since spoken out about the incident, emphasizing the broader issue of police violence and misconduct against marginalized communities.
The incident has also renewed discussions about First Amendment rights, as federal officials noted that Brock’s gesture — extending his middle finger — is constitutionally protected free speech.
The FBI’s investigation into the case remains ongoing, with authorities examining whether additional charges may be filed against the deputies involved.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
