Ex-LA County Deputy Pleads Guilty to Beating Up Transgender Man Who Allegedly Flipped Him Off
Deputy Relieved of Duty After Confrontation in Whittier Convenience Store Parking Lot
Joseph Benza III, a 36-year-old former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, pleaded guilty to assaulting a transgender man in the parking lot of a Whittier convenience store who allegedly flipped off the lawman. The incident occurred in February 2023.
Benza’s Plea Agreement
Benza entered his plea in L.A. federal court to the offense of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years behind bars. A sentencing date of July 25 was scheduled.
The Incident
According to court papers, Benza was responding to a domestic violence call in Whittier when he saw the man drive by and extend his middle finger. Benza abandoned the domestic violence call and closely followed the man’s vehicle for 1.8 miles, intending to retaliate with force. The victim, a teacher in his early 20s who weighed about half as much as Benza, suffered a concussion, contusions, and abrasions.
The Confrontation
After calling 911 to report that he was being followed, the victim eventually pulled into the convenience store’s parking lot. Benza then parked behind his vehicle and activated his overhead lights for the first time. The victim was getting out of his vehicle when Benza approached him, grabbed him, and pulled him to the ground. The plea agreement states that Benza “violently body slammed” the man onto the pavement, punched his head and face multiple times, and pressed his face into the pavement.
Cover-Up Attempt
According to the plea agreement, Benza attempted to cover up his civil rights violations by preparing a false incident report. He omitted any reference to the flipping off and instead stated that the man was stopped for having an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. Benza also falsely claimed that the man had bitten his hand with enough force to puncture the skin, and the deputy cited the man with criminal mayhem.
Justice Served
The victim suffered significant physical and emotional trauma due to Benza’s actions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for law enforcement to prioritize transparency and fairness in their interactions with the public.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the incident?
A: Benza was responding to a domestic violence call in Whittier when he saw the man drive by and extend his middle finger. He abandoned the call and followed the man’s vehicle, intending to retaliate with force.
Q: What were the consequences of Benza’s actions?
A: The victim suffered a concussion, contusions, and abrasions, and Benza was charged with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
Q: How did Benza attempt to cover up his actions?
A: Benza prepared a false incident report, omitting any reference to the flipping off and instead stating that the man was stopped for having an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. He also falsely claimed that the man had bitten his hand with enough force to puncture the skin.
