A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy has been found guilty of using excessive force against a woman outside a supermarket in Lancaster. Trevor James Kirk, 32, from Santa Clarita, was convicted by a jury on one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
The incident occurred on June 24, 2023, when Kirk and another deputy responded to a possible robbery at a WinCo Foods supermarket. Upon arrival, they detained a man who matched the description of the male suspect. The victim, identified as "J.H." in court documents and matching the description of the female suspect, recorded the deputies with her cellphone.
Evidence presented during the three-day trial revealed that J.H. informed Kirk about his legal obligation to explain the detention to the man and mentioned broadcasting his actions on social media. Without issuing any commands, Kirk attempted to seize J.H.'s phone. When she turned away, he grabbed her arm and neck before throwing her face-first onto the ground.
While restraining J.H., Kirk allegedly threatened her with physical harm if she did not comply. He also reported misleadingly over his radio that he was involved in a "fight." Subsequently, without further warning or command, Kirk pepper-sprayed J.H., who only held prescription sunglasses and a surgical mask at that time.
J.H. received medical treatment for injuries sustained from both being thrown down and pepper-sprayed. Her injuries included blunt-force head trauma and damage to her head, arms, and wrist.
United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson has scheduled sentencing for April 21. Kirk faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The FBI led this investigation with assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Eli A. Alcaraz, Brian R. Faerstein, and Michael J. Morse prosecuted this case within the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.