Former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for a string of offenses, including a civil rights violation through excessive force, falsification of records, and wire fraud. Amiri's conviction follows a detailed investigation that uncovered his role in a degree-fraud scheme to increase his pay unjustly, and his use of a police dog to inflict unnecessary harm, according to a report from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
After a jury found Amiri, 34, guilty in two separate trials, Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White delivered the sentence. The first trial, in August 2024, resulted in a conviction for wire fraud and conspiracy related to the degree scheme. Then, a March 2025 trial proved Amiri guilty of using excessive force in an arrest made in July 2019, where, having been stopped for a missing bicycle light, A.A. became the victim of Amiri's K-9 without just cause. Despite his actions, Amiri was accompanied by another police officer, helping to deploy the K-9, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian condemned Amiri's behavior, stating, per the U.S. Attorney's Office, "Amiri misused his police dog to inflict unnecessary and excessive force against a victim and cheated his way into a pay raise. These crimes are appalling in themselves, but even more so that they were committed by a police officer." Missakian's statement underscored the breach of public trust and the expectation that those in positions of authority must be accountable for their actions.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani reiterated this sentiment, explaining that Amiri's conviction should be a clear reminder that no badge can shield one from responsibility. Virmani emphasized the FBI's ongoing dedication to protecting civil rights and ensuring justice for those who misuse power, having abused his authority and violated the civil rights of a person he was sworn to protect.
In the broader investigation of the Antioch and Pittsburgh police departments, multiple officers and employees faced charges ranging from using excessive force to various fraud offenses, shedding light on systemic issues within the departments. Amiri has also been ordered to three years of supervised release post-imprisonment and is required to pay restitution to both the victim, A.A., and the City of Antioch.
