Antioch Officer Sentenced to 7 Years: BNCL Continues the Fight for Accountability

In a significant milestone for police accountability, former Antioch Police Officer Morteza Amiri has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for unleashing his K-9 on a man during a minor stop—and then lying to cover it up. He was also convicted of fraudulently obtaining a salary bump by paying someone to complete his college coursework.

This case is yet another disturbing chapter in what has become one of the most serious police corruption scandals in recent California history, and BNCL has been at the forefront of demanding justice for the victims of the Antioch Police Department’s misconduct.

📺 Watch the full ABC7 report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m5A-BDPWvk

What Happened: Violence, Lies, and a Badge

Amiri’s crimes began in 2019 when he stopped a man for a minor bicycle infraction. What should have been a routine interaction escalated into violence when Amiri released his police dog and repeatedly punched the man. Instead of following policy and reporting the force used, Amiri filed a false report, claiming he was alone and omitting critical facts.

Later, internal texts revealed he boasted about the attack, sharing photos and laughing with fellow officers. The tone wasn’t remorseful—it was celebratory.

Additionally, he was found guilty of wire fraud for paying someone to take his college classes to secure a pay raise from the city.

BNCL: Holding Antioch Police Accountable

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Nisenbaum, a partner at Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy (BNCL), has long been involved in exposing patterns of police abuse in Antioch. Through legal action, public advocacy, and community engagement, BNCL has fought for justice on behalf of victims brutalized by officers who were supposed to protect them.

“This case isn’t a one-off. It’s the product of a toxic internal culture—one that rewarded brutality, silenced truth, and mocked accountability,” said Nisenbaum. “We’ve seen this before, and unless it’s rooted out completely, we’ll see it again.”

The fallout from Amiri’s conviction has already sent ripples through the department. But for BNCL and the families we represent, real justice means more than just prison time—it means structural reform, policy changes, and compensation for victims.

Antioch PD’s Culture of Misconduct

Amiri’s sentencing is part of a broader collapse of public trust in the Antioch Police Department. Federal investigations have uncovered widespread issues, including:

• Racist, homophobic, and violent internal messages

• Patterns of excessive force targeting Black and Latino residents

• Manipulation of evidence and false reporting

At one point, nearly half the department’s officers were sidelined or under investigation—an unprecedented signal of just how deep the rot goes.

Justice Isn’t Just a Verdict—It’s a Mission

At BNCL, we don’t just chase headlines—we chase justice. Our firm has represented civil rights victims for decades, including in landmark cases involving Rodney King, Oscar Grant, and others whose names forced change into the public eye.

We work on a full contingency basis, meaning our clients never pay unless we win. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on healing, recovery, and reclaiming your voice.

We’re Here

If Police officers have mistreated you or someone you love—whether through excessive force, unlawful arrest, or discrimination—you may have a case. And you deserve to be heard.

📞 Contact BNCL today for a free consultation.
💻 https://bncllaw.com/contact-us/

BNCL – Fighting for Your Rights in Antioch and Beyond
📍 Serving San Francisco, Sacramento, Central California, Los Angeles, and Southern California

#JusticeMatters #AntiochPolice #CivilRights #BNCL #BenNisenbaum #PoliceMisconduct #WeFightBack