Eight LA sheriff’s deputies fired for 2023 arrest and beating of trans man

‘Benza and his terminated colleagues were alleged to have covered up details from the incident.’ Photograph: Steve Skjold/Alamy

At least eight deputies with the Los Angeles sheriff’s department have been dismissed for their roles in the arrest and beating of a transgender man in February 2023, the Los Angeles Times reports. An FBI investigation remains ongoing.

Deputy Joseph Benza III, the main officer involved in the incident with then 23-year-old Emmett Brock, pleaded guilty in federal court last week to one felony count of deprivation of rights under the color of law, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.