A federal judge has decided to reduce the charges against an L.A. County sheriff’s deputy who was previously convicted of a felony for using excessive force. Deputy Trevor Kirk was found guilty of assaulting and pepper-spraying an unarmed woman during an incident at a Lancaster supermarket in 2023. This ruling allows prosecutors to downgrade his felony conviction to a misdemeanor, but Kirk could still face jail time when he is sentenced.
U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson made this ruling on Tuesday, rejecting a controversial plea deal proposed by Bill Essayli, the new U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. Essayli had suggested that Kirk be sentenced to probation just two months after his felony conviction. This unusual move led to resignations among several federal prosecutors who disagreed with the decision.
Kirk’s defense attorney expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision to reduce the charges, stating that they would work hard to argue for a sentence without jail time. If Kirk had remained a felon, he would have lost his ability to work in law enforcement and own a firearm.
The incident that led to Kirk’s conviction occurred when he responded to a reported robbery. He pepper-sprayed Jacey Houseton, the woman involved, and was recorded throwing her to the ground and putting a knee on her neck. Houseton later described her experience as terrifying, comparing it to the actions of police officers involved in high-profile cases of excessive force.
Judge Wilson emphasized that police officers are meant to protect the public, not harm them. He found the jury’s conviction justified and noted that the plea deal did not reflect the seriousness of Kirk’s actions. The judge’s comments highlighted the need for accountability among law enforcement officials.
As Kirk awaits sentencing on June 2, the case continues to draw attention, raising questions about the standards of conduct expected from police officers and the implications of plea deals in cases involving excessive force.