Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Trevor Kirk, 32, was sentenced to four months in prison on June 2, 2025, following his conviction for using excessive force during a 2023 arrest in Lancaster, according to reports. Originally facing up to 10 years in federal prison for a felony charge of deprivation of rights under color of law, Kirk's charge was reduced to a misdemeanor prior to sentencing. 

The incident occurred on June 24, 2023, outside a WinCo Foods supermarket in Lancaster. 

Deputies responded to reports of a robbery involving two suspects. While one deputy detained a male suspect matching the description, Kirk confronted a woman who was recording the arrest on her cellphone. Without issuing any commands, Kirk attempted to seize her phone, threw her to the ground, threatened to punch her, and pepper-sprayed her twice. He also pressed his knee into her neck, causing her to state that she couldn't breathe. The woman sustained injuries, including blunt-force head trauma and injuries to her head, arms, and wrist.

In February 2025, a federal jury found Kirk guilty of the felony charge. However, in May 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson dismissed the felony allegation, leaving only a misdemeanor charge. This decision followed a request from the U.S. Attorney's Office, led by newly appointed U.S. Attorney Bilal “Bill” Essayli, who had previously offered Kirk a misdemeanor plea deal before trial.

Kirk's attorney, Tom Yu, announced plans to appeal the conviction, asserting that Kirk followed his training during the incident. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has relieved Kirk of duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

"I don't think there's any kind of evidence where a deputy sheriff follows his training, how that can be construed as a specific intent to violate a suspect's civil rights in a robbery investigation," said Kirk's attorney, Tom Yu.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with critics arguing that the reduced sentence undermines accountability for law enforcement officers. Supporters of Kirk, including the Los Angeles Sheriff's Professional Association, contend that his actions were justified and aligned with his training.