Nine police officers from the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments were arrested last week following an 18-month FBI investigation into allegations of widespread corruption.
The probe originally focused on accusations that officers had cheated on exams to gain pay raises but expanded significantly based on evidence uncovered by federal agents. In total, four indictments were handed down related to drug conspiracy, record falsification, civil rights violations, and salary fraud.
"The color of law violations strike at the very heart of our justice system," said FBI Special Agent Robert Tripp, who led the investigation. "They undermine public confidence in the law and law enforcement and erode the fundamental rights of our citizens."
Two Officers Charged with Steroid Distribution
Antioch officers Daniel James Harris and Devon Christopher Wenger face charges of conspiracy to distribute steroids, possession with intent to distribute, and destruction of evidence related to the controlled substances. According to court documents, the officers allegedly stole steroids during drug seizures and distributed them illegally.
Officer Accused of Obstructing Investigation
Fellow Antioch officer Timothy Allen Manly Williams was indicted on charges of obstructing a federal investigation and falsifying records. Prosecutors allege Williams destroyed a witness' phone that contained video evidence and tipped off targets about impending arrests.
Civil Rights Violations Cited
Antioch officers Eric Allen Rombough, Morteza Amiri, and Devon Christopher Wenger were charged with conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, and destruction of evidence.
According to authorities, the officers exchanged racist text messages and purposefully avoided wearing body cameras during arrests. They also allegedly filed false reports about use-of-force incidents. More than 45 of approximately 100 Antioch officers were placed on leave during the text message inquiry.
Six Officers Defraud Departments
The fraud charges involve officers Patrick James Berhan, Morteza Amiri, Amanda Carmella Theodosy, Samantha Peterson, Ernesto Juan Mejia-Orozco, and Brauli Rodriguez. Prosecutors say Berhan paid someone to complete college courses and exams for him to obtain a degree and substantial pay raise. The other officers then allegedly followed suit.
Community Seeks to Regain Trust
The arrests shook citizens in Antioch and Pittsburg who now question the integrity of their police forces. "Today is a dark day in our city's history, as people trusted to uphold the law, allegedly breached that trust and were arrested by the FBI," said Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe. "As our city absorbs this tragic news, we must come together as one."
With the federal investigation ongoing, law enforcement leaders have pledged transparency and dialogue with residents as they seek to rebuild community trust.
