Crime
Federal Raid Arrests 9 Police Officers, Unveiling Alleged Criminal Network
Clear Facts:
- Nine current and former police officers in East Bay were arrested by the FBI after an 18-month investigation into an alleged criminal network.
- The investigation revealed a series of racist and homophobic texts between several officers, leading to questions about violations of the state’s Racial Justice Act.
- The Antioch Police Officers Association expressed sadness and shock over the findings but reiterated their commitment to serving the community.
A significant operation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations resulted in the arrest of nine current and former police officers in the East Bay.
These arrests stem from an 18-month probe into what appears to be a profound corruption scandal at the heart of the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments.
Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe articulated the gravity of the situation: “Today is a dark day in our city’s history, as people trusted to uphold the law, allegedly breached that trust and were arrested by the FBI. To those that have accused me and others of being anti-police for seeking to reform the Antioch Police Department, today’s arrests are demonstrative of the issues that have plagued the Antioch Police Department for decades. Seeking to reform the Antioch Police Department is not anti-police, it is pro our residents, and pro officers that have served and continue to serve with honor.”
The list of charges is vast and concerning, encompassing alleged activities like narcotics distribution, fraudulent activities involving federal records, wire fraud, violations of civil rights, and obstruction of justice.
Robert Tripp from the FBI’s San Francisco field office noted the severe implications, stating that such “color of law violations strike at the very heart of our justice system.”
But this investigation opened up another disturbing layer. During their probe, the FBI stumbled upon a series of racist and homophobic texts exchanged between several Antioch officers.
This discovery has thrown a spotlight on the department, questioning the integrity of their activities and the potential violations of the state’s Racial Justice Act. Some have even experienced case overturns or now challenge their detentions as being racially motivated.
Interestingly, the police association’s response to the scandal was decidedly measured. In a statement, the Antioch Police Officers Association conveyed its shock at the FBI’s findings but emphasized its commitment to serving the community faithfully.
However, Michael Rains, a defense lawyer for one of the arrested officers, criticized the FBI’s approach. He commented on the “forcible arrest” of his client by agents and highlighted that the officer would have willingly surrendered if requested.
This event has ignited a broader debate on police accountability and the need for reforms to ensure the trust and safety of the communities they serve.
We want to know what you think! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
BEV
August 21, 2023 at 7:01 pm
God help the crazy judge who did nothing to prevent this atrocity from continuing and perhaps causing even more damage to children! Child pornography leads to human trafficking and that’s rampant! Has no one seen the movie SOUND OF FREEDOM???
GODS CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE!
Barry
August 22, 2023 at 11:20 am
If the police were engaged in narcotics trafficking why didnt you put that at the top ? I dont care about “Thought crimes” like their politically incorrect text messages.
robert
August 22, 2023 at 11:28 am
OK good, now what PD is going to arrest all the corrupt FBI officials?
Darlene F Burgi
August 22, 2023 at 12:59 pm
That was my first thought, too.
Gary
August 22, 2023 at 12:05 pm
The fact that they broke several very serious laws should have been the lead on this story. Telling racist or anti-gay jokes or sharing memes online are not illegal and to try to make it so is violating their First Amendment rights. Since when has the FBI become the,”THOUGHT POLICE!?”
The Rebel
August 22, 2023 at 2:39 pm
To all you MORONS that supposedly voted for the IDIOT and the HOOKER——————enjoy your life under communist rule !!!
ssilv48
August 22, 2023 at 5:23 pm
Do you really think biden won???? Wake up, but I’ll give you a very good hint, biden was an illegal vp also and the really sad thing is you do not have to be very smart to figure it out.
Brian
August 22, 2023 at 3:14 pm
What do homophobic texts have to do with the Racial Justice Act?
Chris C Owen
August 23, 2023 at 3:12 am
“Michael Rains, a defense lawyer for one of the arrested officers, criticized the FBI’s approach. He commented on the “forcible arrest” of his client by agents and highlighted that the officer would have willingly surrendered if requested.”
WOW
If only it worked that way for civilians.
Micheal got SWATed and now knows what it is like when “innocent” civilians get busted.
Charles Carbone
August 23, 2023 at 11:07 am
First Amendment, I don’t need no stinkin’ First Amendment!