E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy, Trevor James Kirk, has been found guilty of using excessive force in an incident involving a woman outside a supermarket in Lancaster. The jury convicted Kirk of one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
The case stemmed from an event on June 24, 2023, when deputies responded to a potential robbery at a WinCo Foods supermarket. Upon arrival, they detained a man suspected of involvement. Meanwhile, the victim identified as "J.H." began recording the scene on her cellphone and informed Kirk about his legal obligation regarding the detention and that she was broadcasting it live.
Kirk attempted to seize J.H.'s phone without issuing any commands. When she turned away, he forcibly threw her to the ground and threatened physical harm if she did not comply with his orders. While detaining her, he used pepper spray twice despite J.H.'s limited ability to resist due to holding only sunglasses and a mask.
J.H. required medical treatment for injuries including blunt-force trauma to her head and injuries to her arms and wrist resulting from the incident.
U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson has set April 21 for sentencing where Kirk could face up to ten years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The prosecution team comprised Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli A. Alcaraz, Brian R. Faerstein, and Michael J. Morse from the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
