Former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, Joseph Benza III, pleaded guilty to assaulting a transgender man in a Whittier convenience store parking lot. Benza admitted to body-slamming the victim, punching him, and pressing his face into the pavement after the man allegedly flipped him off. The victim suffered a concussion, contusions, and abrasions during the incident, which was caught on surveillance video. Benza was relieved of duty following the charges and faces up to 10 years in prison for the offense.
Benza prepared a false incident report claiming the man bit his hand, leading to criminal charges against the victim. He also initially denied being flipped off and consulting with other deputies about the report, before eventually admitting to these actions during a federal interview. The sentencing date for Benza has been scheduled for July 25. This case sheds light on the issue of excessive force and misconduct by law enforcement officers, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system.
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