OAKLAND – A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict today for Devon Wenger, 33, former Antioch police officer, on one count of conspiracy against rights. The conviction follows a grueling seven-day trial presided over by Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White. Wenger’s history with the law is rapidly accumulating, adding another layer of disgrace to a department already under intense scrutiny.
The evidence presented in court painted a disturbing picture of Wenger and fellow Antioch Police Department officers systematically abusing their power. Prosecutors proved Wenger conspired with others to inflict unnecessary and unreasonable force on Antioch residents – injuring, oppressing, threatening, and intimidating those they were sworn to protect. This wasn’t about lawful policing; it was about punishment meted out beyond the bounds of the justice system.
“Public trust must be at the forefront of the duty to protect,” declared United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “By using unnecessary and unreasonable force under the guise of law enforcement, Wenger betrayed the community he was entrusted to protect. Officers who hold themselves above the law and dishonor their oath of office will be held to account. The people of Antioch deserve no less.” The statement underscores the gravity of the betrayal and the commitment to restoring faith in law enforcement.
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez reinforced that message. “Today’s conviction makes clear that when an officer violates the civil rights of those he was sworn to protect, it will not be overlooked or excused. This marks the second time a jury has held Devon Wenger accountable, and it reflects the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice in every instance where authority is abused.” The evidence showed Wenger, along with Morteza Amiri and Eric Rombough, actively discussed and planned the deployment of excessive force, including the use of K9 units and 40mm “less lethal” launchers, as a means of retribution.
While convicted of conspiracy against rights under 18 U.S.C. § 241, the jury acquitted Wenger on a second charge of deprivation of rights under color of law (18 U.S.C. § 242). However, this doesn’t diminish the severity of the conviction. Wenger’s criminal record already includes a previous conviction in April 2025 for conspiracy to distribute steroids and obstruction of justice. Judge White immediately remanded Wenger to custody, scheduling sentencing for December 2, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars.
This case is far from isolated. It’s part of a larger federal investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments, resulting in charges against ten current and former officers and employees for offenses ranging from excessive force to fraud. Here’s a breakdown of related cases, all before Judge White:
| Case Name and Number | Statute(s) | Defendant | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-cr-00264 | 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud) | Patrick Berhan | Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24 |
| 23-cr-269 | 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349; 1343 | Morteza Amiri | Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 6/24/25 |
| 23-cr-00264 | 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349; 1343 | Amanda Theodosy a/k/a Nash | Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24 |
The prosecution is being handled by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office, with investigation support from the FBI and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and the broader investigation into police misconduct in the Bay Area.
Related Federal Cases
- Antioch’s ‘Al Pill’ Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth Trafficking · California
- Amanda Jones Sentenced for 60 Years in Meth Conspiracy · Oklahoma
- Conspiracy to Mail Oxycodone: Three Men Face Charges · Ohio
- DC Cop Pleads Guilty to Drug Money Laundering · Maryland
- Wall Street Bailout: NY & CA Lose $2 Trillion · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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