Los Angeles Sheriff Deputy Found Guilty of Excessive Force in Arrest Incident

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A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy was found guilty of using excessive force during an arrest that was captured on video. Trevor James Kirk, 32, was convicted on Thursday of a felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law for his actions in June 2023 at a supermarket in Lancaster, approximately 72 kilometers northeast of Los Angeles. According to federal prosecutors, Kirk violently tackled a woman who was filming the arrest of another individual and subsequently pepper-sprayed her.

The incident occurred when deputies responded to reports of a robbery at the grocery store. A video of the event went viral, prompting public outrage and scrutiny over police conduct. Following the trial, U.S. Attorney's Office officials stated that the ruling reinforces the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for actions that infringe on the rights of citizens. Kirk now faces sentencing, where he could be imprisoned for up to three years.

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