Former Antioch Officer’s Civil Rights Case Hangs in the balance: A Deep Dive into the Wenger Prosecution
The federal prosecution of former Antioch Police Department (APD) officer,Ian Wenger,continues to unravel,with a key civil rights charge recently dismissed by Judge William White. However, this victory for Wenger may be short-lived, as prosecutors are expected to challenge the ruling. This case, deeply entangled with allegations of corruption, police misconduct, and whistleblower retaliation within the APD, represents a significant test for federal oversight of local law enforcement.
This article provides a complete analysis of the Wenger case, it’s complex history, the evidence presented, and the potential implications for the ongoing investigation into the “Anabolic Club” of officers accused of widespread misconduct in Antioch and Pittsburg, california.
A Case Rooted in Controversy: From Combat Veteran to Accused Conspirator
Wenger, a veteran of combat service in Pakistan and a former sonoma county Sheriff’s deputy, found himself at the center of a sweeping federal investigation in August 2023. He was one of 14 former officers from Antioch and Pittsburg indicted on a range of charges, including civil rights violations, obstruction of justice, and drug offenses. Wenger stands as the sole remaining officer with an unresolved case, a testament to the complexities and challenges facing the prosecution.
Throughout the proceedings, Wenger has vehemently maintained his innocence, publicly accusing government officials of corruption and asserting he was targeted for exposing excessive force and sexual harassment within the Antioch Police department.In a may 2023 email to prominent figures including former President Donald Trump and U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, Wenger explicitly stated, “I broke the blue wall of silence and spoke out against law enforcement corruption and now those same peopel are targeting me and prosecuting me for doing the right thing.” He has even leveled accusations of “jury tampering, misconduct, and failure to address prosecutorial retaliation” against Judge White himself.
The Dismissed Charge: A Shooting and Dueling Expert Testimony
The recently dismissed charge stemmed from an incident on October 26, 2021, where Wenger shot 31-year-old Dajon Smith with a less-lethal rubber round launcher. Smith was reportedly surrounded by officers near a suspected stolen vehicle and had his hands raised, though witnesses state he was concurrently arguing with officers who were yelling commands. Prosecutors and defence stipulated that Smith had stolen a vehicle from a dealership earlier that day.
The case hinged on video evidence and conflicting interpretations of police use-of-force protocols. A crucial element involved an expert witness initially retained by the prosecution, who was later dropped and ultimately called to testify for the defense. This shift in expert opinion raises questions about the strength of the prosecution’s initial theory and suggests potential inconsistencies in their assessment of the incident. The fact that the prosecution initially sought, then rejected, this expert’s testimony is a significant point of contention.
The Conspiracy Charge: text Messages and Shifting allegiances
The core of the remaining case against Wenger revolves around a conspiracy charge, built upon text message exchanges with former Antioch officers Morteza Amiri and Eric Rombough. Amiri was convicted in March 2024 of deprivation of rights and falsifying records for deploying his police dog on a civilian during a traffic stop, but acquitted of conspiracy charges. Rombough, described by Wenger’s previous counsel as the most aggressive of the three, has entered a plea deal and is cooperating with the government in hopes of receiving a reduced sentence.
Wenger’s initial trial alongside amiri ended in a mistrial after his attorney, Nicole Lopes, requested a severance citing personal struggles and issues with her firm. Judge White subsequently removed Lopes from the case after she publicly discussed securing the mistrial on a podcast, accusing her of a “lack of candor” to the court. Michael Schwartz, a Los Angeles-based attorney, now represents Wenger.
Beyond Civil Rights: The Steroid Distribution Conviction
Adding another layer of complexity, Wenger was convicted in May 2025 of distributing steroids, based on text message evidence and testimony from former Antioch officer Daniel Harris, who admitted to selling steroids to multiple law enforcement officials.Wenger alleges that text messages presented as evidence were manipulated by technicians working for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office, claiming they were “not native to my phone.” Regardless of the outcome of the civil rights trial, Wenger still faces sentencing in the steroid distribution case.
Looking Ahead: Closing Arguments and Potential Reversal
Prosecutors and defense attorneys are scheduled to deliver their closing arguments on Wednesday. Judge White’s initial dismissal of the civil rights charge is not necessarily final. The prosecution is widely expected to challenge the ruling, potentially leading to
