Deputy sheriff in Los Angeles convicted for using excessive force during arrest of woman filmed on video

LOS ANGELES — A deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been convicted for using excessive force against a woman who was recording an incident involving law enforcement. This verdict was announced on Thursday by federal prosecutors.

Trevor James Kirk, 32, residing in Santa Clarita, faced trial after being charged with a felony count concerning the deprivation of rights while acting under color of law in the assault that occurred outside a supermarket in Lancaster in June 2023, as indicated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Kirk’s legal team has yet to comment publicly regarding the trial outcomes, as there hasn’t been an immediate response to inquiries.

The incident drew the attention of deputies who were dispatched to the Lancaster grocery store following reports of robbery suspects in the area, located around 72 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of Los Angeles. It was reported that a couple matched the descriptions of the alleged robbers, according to the sheriff’s department.

According to body-camera footage provided by the department, the man involved was seen sitting on a large rock outside the store with a cake in his possession while deputies moved in to handcuff him. During this time, the woman recorded the event from a short distance away.

Prosecutors indicated that Kirk attempted to seize her phone. When she turned away, he forcefully tackled her to the ground face-first. A nearby individual captured the incident on their cellphone.

The woman’s arrest has raised concerns amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the department’s practices, especially with multiple allegations of excessive force being lodged against its deputies. Following the verdict, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged in a statement that Kirk has been suspended from duty without remuneration.

The statement emphasized that such behavior contradicts the department’s principles and standards, asserting the commitment of law enforcement officers to uphold the law and maintain accountability and integrity. It was stated unequivocally that no deputy is above the law, and any abuse of power that undermines public trust will face serious consequences.

Kirk could face a severe penalty, with a maximum possible imprisonment of 10 years in federal prison scheduled for his sentencing on April 21.