In a new development that underscores ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the unique vulnerabilities faced by transgender communities, a now-former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy has agreed to plead guilty to a felony civil rights offense for the violent assault of a transgender man. The victim’s courageous stance, combined with federal prosecutors’ dedication to holding law enforcement accountable, has brought a measure of justice in a case that epitomizes the kind of brutality and biased behavior that many have long demanded be addressed.
A Shocking Incident of Abuse Under the Badge
On February 10, 2023, then-deputy Joseph “Joe” Benza III, 36, was on duty and en route to respond to a domestic violence call near Mystic Street and Guilford Avenue in Whittier, California. While on the way, he encountered a 23-year-old transgender man identified in court documents as E.B. As E.B. drove past, he expressed his frustration by sticking out his middle finger at the deputy’s patrol car. This simple, nonviolent gesture of free speech—legally protected by the First Amendment—sparked a chain of events that would lead to a violent and unprovoked assault.
Instead of continuing to the domestic violence call as he was obligated to do, Benza turned his focus entirely toward retaliation. Without activating his lights or sirens, the deputy tailed E.B. for nearly two miles, sometimes reaching speeds of around 50 miles per hour through residential streets. E.B., alarmed and unsure why he was being followed by a mysterious vehicle, eventually called 911, expressing fear and confusion over the pursuit.
When E.B. pulled into a parking lot, hoping for safety or a resolution, Benza finally flipped on his patrol lights—his first overt acknowledgement of a police intervention. But the situation did not unfold as a standard traffic stop. Without issuing a single command or explaining himself, Benza approached E.B., grabbed him, and then slammed him face-first into the pavement with considerable force. From his position on top of E.B., the deputy punched the man repeatedly in the head and face. E.B. screamed for help, shouting, “You’re going to kill me!” and “I can’t breathe!” as his face was pressed against the ground.
E.B. was left with a concussion, bruises, cuts, head pain, and vomiting as a result of the excessive force. The deputy—significantly larger and stronger—had escalated a nonviolent interaction into a traumatizing and life-threatening ordeal. The victim’s status as a transgender man, though not explicitly mentioned in the plea deal, adds another disturbing dimension to the case, as transgender individuals are disproportionately subject to violence and discrimination, including from law enforcement.
A Web of Lies and a Culture of Silence
In the immediate aftermath, Benza attempted to cover up his assault with a fabricated incident report. Instead of acknowledging the truth—that he pursued E.B. after being “flipped off”—Benza claimed he initiated the stop over an air freshener hanging from E.B.’s rearview mirror, a minor traffic infraction. He further alleged, without any basis, that E.B. had bitten his hand hard enough to puncture the skin. E.B. would later be cited for criminal mayhem, a serious charge completely at odds with the reality of what happened.
According to a plea agreement filed in federal court, three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department sergeants advised Benza not to mention that E.B. had flipped him off. One sergeant even drafted substantive portions of the false report, helping shape a narrative that placed all blame on the victim. Moreover, Benza and other deputies discussed deleting text messages and making false statements to federal authorities investigating the incident.
This alleged group effort to conceal the truth speaks volumes about the “blue wall of silence” that many believe shields law enforcement officers who break the law. The plea agreement’s details show how easily a handful of officers can distort the facts, creating confusion and fear for victims, particularly transgender individuals who already face heightened scrutiny and discrimination.
Federal Intervention and Accountability
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) took decisive action, charging Benza with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In agreeing to plead guilty, Benza admits that his actions were not only wrong, but criminal. He faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison—an unusually strong consequence in cases of police misconduct. Moreover, as part of the plea deal, Benza is barred from seeking future employment as a sworn law enforcement officer.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada underscored the broader importance of this case, stating: “When an officer violates someone’s civil rights, it corrodes trust in law enforcement and undermines the effectiveness of other officers who sacrifice to protect the public.” His words reflect a painful truth: without accountability and swift, just consequences, public trust in the police erodes, making it harder for good officers to do their jobs and for communities to feel safe.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna’s response was also clear and critical: “It is deeply troubling that a member of our Department, who has since been relieved of duty, violated the trust placed in them … These actions undermine the integrity of our Department, the trust of our community, and the safety of those we are sworn to protect.” While many have called out systemic issues within the LASD, public statements from leadership acknowledging wrongdoing are a step—albeit a small one—toward transparency and reform.
Impact on the Transgender Community
Stories like this deeply affect transgender individuals, their families, and allies. Transgender people are more likely to be targeted by law enforcement, face hostile or invasive questioning during booking, and be mistreated in custody. E.B. recounted that after the assault and arrest, he faced demeaning and invasive questions from LASD staff about his body and where he should be housed. This conduct not only exacerbates the situation but also underscores the pressing need for improved training, policies, and cultural competency within law enforcement agencies.
E.B. expressed gratitude and relief at the plea deal. While nothing can erase the trauma he endured, legal accountability provides a measure of justice. He lost his teaching job just days after his arrest, and he still experiences lingering anxiety and fear. The harm inflicted on E.B. is emblematic of the ways in which police violence can derail the lives and livelihoods of transgender people. Yet E.B.’s perseverance—returning to work after eight months, nearing completion of a master’s degree, and continuing to advocate for himself—stands as a testament to resilience.
This case, while horrifying, is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Across the United States, calls are growing for substantive reforms that address not only the use of excessive force but also discrimination and harassment against marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals of color. Activists, community leaders, and victims’ advocates stress that until there are clear consequences for misconduct and until law enforcement agencies invest deeply in meaningful cultural competency training, such incidents will continue.
Institutions like the LASD are charged with protecting communities, not terrorizing them. Transparency, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to the safety and dignity of all people—especially those who have historically been neglected or targeted—is paramount. As this case moves toward sentencing, observers are watching carefully: Will the legal system follow through on its commitment to hold former Deputy Benza fully accountable? Will the LASD implement measures to prevent such abuses from recurring?
The Bottom Line
While the plea deal is a milestone, the fight for justice and equitable policing goes on. The legal victory—securing a guilty plea from a deputy who abused his authority—may deter some future misconduct. It may also empower others who have been victimized to come forward, share their stories, and seek accountability.
For transgender individuals and their allies, the primary lesson here is a bittersweet one: justice is possible, but it often requires immense courage, persistence, and community support. It involves confronting systems that have historically ignored or belittled their experiences. Yet, the swift federal response and strong statements from authorities suggest that there can be meaningful repercussions for such blatant abuse of power.
By shedding light on these events, communities can push for policies that promote respect and fairness. The hope is that, in time, no one—transgender or otherwise—will have to fear that a simple gesture, a misunderstood signal, or their very identity could result in violence at the hands of those sworn to protect them. Until then, stories like E.B.’s remain urgent reminders of the work still ahead.
