OAKLAND, Calif. — A federal jury has found former Antioch police officer Devon Wenger guilty of conspiracy against rights, a verdict delivered on September 18, 2025, after a week-long trial. This conviction is part of a significant federal and state investigation into widespread police misconduct in the East Bay, further undermining public trust in law enforcement.
Wenger, 33, had served on the Antioch Police Department, where prosecutors argued that he colluded with fellow officers to inflict unreasonable force on local residents. Testimony and evidence revealed that Wenger and others discussed using excessive measures, including police K9 units and other aggressive tactics, which prosecutors contended were unjustifiable and meant to punish individuals outside of lawful authority.
The jury determined that Wenger not only participated in these acts of violence but also deliberately concealed information related to these incidents in police reports. This omission was seen as an effort to hide misconduct from both oversight bodies and the public.
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian stated that Wenger’s actions represented a betrayal of the community he was sworn to protect. He emphasized that violations of civil rights by law enforcement will be met with accountability. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez echoed this sentiment, noting that the jury’s decision reiterates the commitment to pursue justice in cases of authority abuse.
Wenger was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 241 for conspiracy against rights, while a second charge related to depriving individuals of their rights under color of law was dismissed by the court. Earlier in April 2025, Wenger was also found guilty of conspiracy to distribute steroids and obstruction of justice as part of the extensive investigation into the Antioch Police Department.
Following the verdict, Wenger was remanded into custody and is scheduled for sentencing on December 2, where he could face a maximum of 10 years in prison. His case is one of several stemming from an investigation involving ten current and former officers of the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments on various charges including excessive force and fraud.
The investigation gained traction after the exposure of a racist texting scandal within the Antioch Police Department in 2021. This scandal revealed a troubling pattern of racist and violent communications among officers, further intensifying public demands for accountability and institutional reform.
Multiple officers, including Eric Rombough and Morteza Amiri, have faced consequences, signaling a concerted effort by federal and state authorities to root out corruption within the department. Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton called the jury’s decision a crucial step toward rebuilding trust within the community.
Becton emphasized the collective responsibility to uphold the law, particularly when those sworn to enforce it fail to do so. She recognized the collaboration between various agencies in bringing these cases to light, expressing hope that these actions will lead to safer, more equitable communities.
As the city of Antioch grapples with the implications of this conviction, calls for police reform remain strong. Residents have expressed deep concern over the relationship between law enforcement and the community, and the ongoing investigations underscore the need for significant changes within policing practices.
Looking ahead, the Justice Department continues to prioritize civil rights prosecutions amid these troubling revelations. With Wenger’s sentencing on the horizon, authorities stress this case as a vital part of a larger movement to restore integrity and public confidence in law enforcement across the region.
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