The FBI has arrested 10 officers connected to an 18-month investigation into two Bay area police departments. During the investigation, FBI agents say they found a “Pandora’s box” full of unethical and criminal behavior perpetrated by officers hired to serve the community.
Over 100 FBI agents were deployed to make the arrests on Thursday, Aug. 17, in three different states, Hawaii, Texas, and Northern California. Targeted in the raid were both active duty and former officers with the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments.
On August 17, 2023, a federal grand jury in San Francisco issued four separate indictments. These indictments collectively accuse ten present and former officers and staff members of the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments of a range of crimes.
Allegations against the officers included using excessive force while policing and also participating in an effort to defraud their employers, according to the Department of Justice.
Ironically, the widespread investigation started as a look into a group of cops who were accused of cheating on college tests to get scores that could help them get higher salaries.
Related: ‘I Am Having a Panic Attack’: Former Antioch Police Officer Charged with Assault After Using Excessive Force On Man Pleading for ‘Medical’ Help During Arrest
“Police officers promise to enforce laws for the protection of the public and to protect the rights of the accused. That is the job,” United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey said before adding the officers within the indictments seemed to have “violated this oath.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp said this case has been “one of the highest priorities” of the San Francisco Field Office.
The first indictment involved law enforcement officers Patrick James Berhan, Morteza Amiri, Amanda Carmella Theodosy, Samantha Peterson, Ernesto Juan Mejia-Orozco, and Brauli Rodriguez Jalapa, who were indicted on charges…
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