Former officer sues Antioch police for alleged retaliation

A former Antioch police officer, Devon Wenger, is suing his old department for alleged retaliation. His lawsuit claims that the Antioch Police Department caused him emotional distress and led to criminal cases against him after he spoke out about misconduct within the force. Wenger’s trial on criminal charges ended abruptly when a judge declared a mistrial. Just before the trial, he filed the lawsuit in Contra Costa Superior Court. He faces charges for allegedly shooting a man with a less-lethal projectile and distributing illegal steroids. Wenger believes these charges are a direct result of his complaints about illegal discrimination and harassment at the department. The lawsuit includes details about a former police lieutenant, Robert Meads, who reportedly harassed Wenger and illegally accessed a police database for personal reasons. The suit claims that Wenger was warned by a former captain not to discuss the internal affairs investigation or face consequences. Meads has since lost his job but now works for another police department. Wenger’s legal troubles come amid a broader investigation into police misconduct in Antioch. Some former officers have pleaded guilty or testified in relation to various charges. While Wenger maintains his innocence and aims to clear his name, prosecutors must decide soon if they will attempt to retry him on pending charges. He is also scheduled to stand trial for the steroid distribution case later this month. Despite his challenges, Wenger expressed optimism about returning to military service and emphasized his desire to help others. He indicated that he wants to prove his innocence in court.