Morteza Amiri Arrested: What Happened to Morteza Amiri?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Aug 19, 2023
Who is Morteza Amiri?
Morteza Amiri is an individual who has garnered attention due to his involvement in a significant legal case. While specific personal details about Amiri may not be readily available publicly, he is primarily known as a former police officer in Antioch, California. His name has come to the forefront in connection with allegations of civil rights violations and other misconduct during his time as a law enforcement officer.
Amiri's case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. It underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of police misconduct and uphold the principles of justice and fairness in the United States. As his legal proceedings unfold, Morteza Amiri's story serves as a reflection of the broader conversations surrounding policing and the need for accountability in law enforcement.
Morteza Amiri Arrested
Morteza Amiri, one of the Antioch, California police officers charged with civil rights violations as part of an FBI investigation, finds himself at the center of a significant legal case. In a grand jury indictment filed on Wednesday, Amiri is accused of multiple charges, including conspiracy against rights and deprivation of rights under color of law. Additionally, he faces an extra charge of falsification of records. These allegations suggest a troubling pattern of behavior within the Antioch Police Department, raising serious concerns about the conduct of some of its officers.
The charges against Amiri and his fellow officers are related to alleged civil rights violations and abuses of power, indicating potential misconduct while on duty. These accusations bring to light the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. As this case unfolds, it will likely draw significant attention as it underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of police misconduct and uphold the principles of justice and fairness in the United States.
What Happened to Morteza Amiri?
Morteza Amiri, along with his fellow officers, faces serious allegations detailed in the indictment. The charges against him and the other officers primarily revolve around their repeated use of excessive force, which included tactics such as dog bites and deploying a 40mm less lethal launcher. These actions were not only excessive but were allegedly captured through pictures and videos taken for personal use. Even more troubling, the indictment suggests that they bragged about their actions to each other and fellow officers, creating a culture of impunity.
One significant aspect of the case is that these officers allegedly did not attempt to stop or report the excessive uses of force. Instead, they purportedly engaged in a cover-up, writing false statements in police reports to conceal their actions. The indictment also points out that they used force as a form of "punishment" beyond what was warranted by the criminal justice system. Moreover, it alleges that they made repeated references to or suggestions of "violating civil rights" in their communications.
One specific incident mentioned in the indictment involves Amiri taking pictures of dog bites inflicted on an individual they arrested on December 19, 2019. According to the indictment, he texted, "I'm gonna take more gory pics. gory pics are for personal stuff. cleaned up pics for the case." These allegations paint a troubling picture of Amiri's involvement in a pattern of misconduct and abuse of power, and he will likely face legal consequences if found guilty in a court of law.
What did Morteza Amiri Say About His Arrest?
According to the indictment, during an arrest that occurred the day after the incident involving dog bites, Morteza Amiri allegedly bragged to an unnamed officer about the use of dog bites on the person being arrested. Amiri reportedly stated that even if the arrested individual didn't end up staying in jail, at least they had been "punished." In a text message shared in the indictment, Amiri is quoted as saying, "i (sic) feel like this is the real punishment compared to the soft DA." This statement implies that Amiri believed that inflicting harm through excessive force was a more severe form of punishment than what might be handed down by the District Attorney's office.
The indictment also includes several examples of pictures and videos that Amiri allegedly sent to individual officers or people in a group chat, further suggesting his involvement in documenting and potentially celebrating instances of excessive force. These revelations paint a concerning picture of Amiri's attitude and behavior during arrests. The information presented in the indictment raises serious questions about the conduct of Morteza Amiri and the other officers involved, indicating a potential pattern of abusing their authority and violating the civil rights of individuals they were tasked with apprehending.
Indictments Against Morteza Amiri
The indictment against Morteza Amiri paints a disturbing picture of his alleged involvement in multiple misconducts and illegal activities during his tenure as a police officer. Among the incidents detailed in the indictment, one stands out where Amiri, along with his fellow officer Devon Wenger, responded to reports of a stolen vehicle. According to the indictment, Wenger allegedly struck the suspect with a 40mm less lethal launcher in the chest, even though the suspect had their hands up in a surrendering position. This incident underscores the serious allegations of excessive force against Amiri.
Furthermore, the indictment reveals additional troubling aspects of Amiri's conduct. It references conversations where Amiri and another officer, Eric Rombough, used derogatory language to refer to individuals as "gorillas." Additionally, there are messages between officers that contain threats to harm individuals, further raising concerns about their behavior while on duty.
It's important to note that these allegations against Amiri are part of a broader series of indictments involving former and current police officers in the Antioch Police Department and the neighboring Pittsburg Police Department. In addition to the civil rights charges mentioned earlier, Amiri faces other legal troubles. He is accused, along with several other officers, of defrauding the police department by having others complete college credits on their behalf to secure reimbursement and pay increases.
The indictment against Morteza Amiri underscores the gravity of the allegations against him, which encompass a range of serious misconduct, from excessive use of force to derogatory language and fraudulent activities. If found guilty, he could face significant legal consequences.
What is the Status of Morteza Amiri Employment?
Morteza Amiri was removed from the K-9 unit in early 2022. However, the indictment does not specify his current status or whether he resigned from the police force like his colleague, Eric Rombough, who resigned from the Gang Unit and SWAT team. Therefore, the exact status of Morteza Amiri, whether he is still with the Antioch Police Department or has taken any other actions regarding his employment, remains unclear.
In response to the arrests of Antioch officers, including Amiri, Acting Chief of Police Joe Vigil released a statement on the Antioch Police Department's Facebook page. The statement expressed disheartenment at the situation and highlighted the importance of accountability for any police officer who breaches the public's trust. It emphasized that no individual, including a police officer, is above the law and stressed the need to maintain public confidence and support for law enforcement.
Morteza Amiri Arrested - FAQs
Morteza Amiri is a former police officer based in Antioch, California, who gained attention due to his involvement in a legal case. He is one of the individuals accused of civil rights violations and other misconduct during his time as a law enforcement officer.
Morteza Amiri's arrest stemmed from his alleged involvement in a pattern of misconduct, which included the use of excessive force, taking pictures and videos of these actions for personal use, and writing false statements in police reports to conceal his actions. These allegations were part of a broader FBI investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments.
Morteza Amiri faces charges that include conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, and falsification of records. These charges are detailed in a grand jury indictment filed as part of the investigation.
Morteza Amiri's current legal status or whether he has been convicted or acquitted is currently unknown as His case is ongoing, and further developments may occur as it progresses through the judicial system.
Morteza Amiri's case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies and underscores ongoing efforts to address issues of police misconduct. It reflects the broader conversations surrounding policing and the need for accountability in law enforcement practices in the United States.