LOS ANGELES – A federal judge has delayed a decision on the sentencing of former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Trevor Kirk, who was convicted of using excessive force during a shoplifting investigation in Lancaster. The hearing, held Monday, ended without a ruling.
Trevor James Kirk, 32, of Santa Clarita, was found guilty in February of one felony count of depriving rights under color of law after assaulting and pepper-spraying a woman in June 2023, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Earlier this month, prosecutors unexpectedly submitted a post-conviction plea and sentencing deal. Under the new agreement, Kirk would plead guilty to a misdemeanor, admit to using unnecessary force, and potentially avoid prison time. The deal, which still requires U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson’s approval, would overturn the jury’s felony conviction and reduce the maximum sentence from 10 years to one. Prosecutors have proposed one year of probation and a fine.
Following the filing, four federal prosecutors withdrew from the case.
Kirk’s attorney, Tom Yu, called his client “a hero, not a criminal.”
Judge Wilson heard arguments from both sides in the downtown Los Angeles courthouse but did not issue a decision.
In March, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Professional Association (LASPA) labeled the case politically motivated and claimed the bodycam footage showed Kirk acting within the bounds of his training.
“This is bigger than one deputy — it’s about protecting every officer who risks their life daily,” said LASPA President Cesar Romero. “We stand by Trevor and will continue to fight for justice.”
The incident in question occurred on June 24, 2023, when Kirk and another deputy responded to a robbery report at WinCo Foods. They handcuffed a man suspected of shoplifting while a woman, later identified as J.H., filmed the encounter.
According to court documents, Kirk approached J.H. without warning, tried to take her phone, and forcefully threw her to the ground. While she lay on the pavement, he ordered her to “get on the ground.” She responded that the video had already been uploaded to YouTube.
Prosecutors said Kirk then pressed his knee into her shoulder. When she protested, he pulled his arm back as if to strike her and falsely radioed in that he was involved in a fight. Moments later, without giving new commands, he pepper-sprayed her twice in the face. J.H. received medical care for her injuries.
Kirk later submitted a report portraying J.H. as aggressive, claiming she assaulted him and took a “fighting stance” — a version of events the jury deemed misleading.
The Sheriff’s Department relieved Kirk of duty after charges were filed and, in February, stated it had cooperated fully with the FBI.
“These actions go against our department’s core values,” the statement read. “All deputies must be accountable and uphold the public trust. No one is above the law.”
Judge Wilson is expected to issue a written ruling later this week.
