Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
A former police officer in Antioch, Devon Wenger, was found guilty by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and obstruction of justice. This verdict comes after a three-day trial presided over by Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland. Wenger, aged 33, had previously served as an officer with the Antioch Police Department.
According to evidence presented in court, Wenger collaborated with Daniel Harris, another officer at the Antioch Police Department, to sell anabolic steroids to a third person. He then attempted to cover up this conspiracy by erasing evidence from his phone. Commenting on the case, Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins said, “Instead of upholding the law, as he swore an oath to do, Devon Wenger conspired with a fellow officer to sell illegal anabolic steroids... Thanks to today’s jury conviction, Mr. Wenger will now face sentencing for his violations of law.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani highlighted the breach of trust, saying, “When Devon Wenger broke the law and then tried to cover his tracks, he didn’t just commit a crime — he betrayed the trust of the community he was sworn to serve… Today’s guilty verdict makes clear that the FBI will hold accountable anyone who abuses the authority and responsibility of public service.”
Evidence showed that in February 2022, Wenger facilitated the sale of anabolic steroids between Harris and a third person. Although Harris ultimately pleaded guilty to his part in this conspiracy, evidence showed Wenger’s continued involvement in the distribution efforts. In March 2022, after being notified by the FBI that they had a warrant, Wenger deleted key evidence from his phone, including communications with Harris and another individual.
Wenger was convicted on all counts: conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and obstruction of justice. His sentencing is scheduled for May 6, 2025, where he faces up to 10 years for the conspiracy charge and 20 years for obstruction of justice. His sentence will be determined considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal statutes.
This case was prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office, stemming from an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.
Separately, Wenger is implicated in another case, scheduled for a status conference on May 6, 2025, under charges related to civil rights violations. This is part of a larger investigation involving Antioch and Pittsburgh police departments that has led to charges against multiple officers for crimes such as excessive force and fraud. The trial for this civil rights case is set for July 21, 2025.
