ANTIOCH, CA – A former police officer from Antioch was sentenced to seven years in federal prison on Tuesday, marking the culmination of a two-year legal saga tied to a controversial texting scandal within the local police department.
Morteza Amiri, previously serving with the Antioch Police Department, was sentenced following his conviction in March on charges unrelated to the texting scandal. He was found guilty of violating an individual’s rights and falsifying police reports. His attorney expressed disappointment with the verdict, though it was not unexpected.
Amiri, who has been held in solitary confinement at Santa Clara County Jail since his conviction, addressed the court expressing remorse and emphasizing his efforts to reform, including taking counseling courses. However, the prosecution argued that Amiri had chosen a path that dehumanized citizens of Antioch, painting him as a leader in fostering a damaging culture within the department.
Attorney Ben Nissenbaum, representing civil case clients against Amiri, was present during the sentencing. He noted that the judge issued a sentence harsher than the probation report suggested, which he viewed positively.
The controversy began two years ago when a series of racist text messages were unearthed by the FBI during an investigation into the Antioch Police Department. This discovery led to nearly 40% of the department’s roughly 110 officers being placed on paid leave. Amiri was specifically named in reports from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, highlighting his involvement.
Although Amiri’s sentencing marks a significant development, the legal proceedings are not entirely concluded. Two other officers implicated in the reports are still awaiting trial, leaving the department under scrutiny.
The case has underscored the challenges of law enforcement in Antioch, a city grappling with its own set of difficulties. The scandal has prompted discussions about accountability and reform within the police force, with community members and officials alike calling for changes.
As the city confronts these issues, the outcome of the trials for the remaining officers will likely further influence the future of the Antioch Police Department and its relationship with the community.
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Author: John Nightbridge
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