Acting Antioch Police Chief issues statement on arrests of current, former officers
“…disheartening and undermines the incredible work our staff does on a daily basis.”
“No individual – including a police officer – is above the law.” – Acting Chief Joe Vigil
August 17, 2023 – Antioch, California – Acting Chief of Police Joe Vigil released the following statement regarding the arrest of current and former APD Officers as announced by the United States Attorney today in San Francisco (See related article):
“Today’s announcement reporting the arrest of current and former APD officers is disheartening and undermines the incredible work our staff does on a daily basis. Any police officer who breaks public trust must be held accountable, especially because our effectiveness relies heavily on confidence and support from our community.
I would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Justice, and United States Attorney’s Office for their diligence in this investigation. From the beginning of this investigation, our administration has been fully cooperating with these agencies, and will continue to do so. No individual – including a police officer – is above the law.
We are precluded from making any further statements on this matter out of concern for the ongoing criminal and internal investigations.”
According to U.S. Attorney for the Northern California District Ismail Ramsey, 10 current or former officers were arrested today in California, Texas and Hawaii, including one current and two former Pittsburg Police officers, one Oakland Housing Authority officer and six officers from Antioch, three of whom are no longer with the department. They include Timothy Allen Manly Williams, as previously reported and according to APD spokesman Lt. Michael Mellone, Daniel Harris and Devon Wenger are also no longer employed by the department.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
