Last ex-Antioch police officer in corruption scandal sentenced

Eric Allen Rombough, 46, received over 4 years in prison for civil rights violations and other crimes as part of a sprawling police corruption case.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:38am

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Former Antioch police officer Eric Allen Rombough, 46, was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison on Tuesday. Rombough was considered a 'ringleader' among East Contra Costa police officers accused of civil rights violations, racist text messages, falsifying reports, and other crimes. He eventually pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against his fellow officers, leading to over 21 years in total prison time for all defendants in the sprawling corruption case.

Why it matters

The Antioch police corruption scandal highlighted widespread abuse of power, racism, and lack of accountability within the department, severely damaging public trust in law enforcement. Rombough's sentencing marks the end of a multi-year federal investigation that sought to root out corruption and restore faith in the criminal justice system.

The details

Rombough was behind numerous racist text messages sent among half of the Antioch police force. He admitted to conspiracy against rights and deprivation of rights under color of law, and agreed to testify against two other officers - Morteza Amiri and Devon Wenger - who were also sentenced to 7 and 7.5 years in prison respectively. Rombough favored using a 40mm launcher against Black residents, collecting the plastic bullets as trophies, while Amiri liked to unleash his police dog on people.

  • Rombough was sentenced on Tuesday, March 25, 2026.
  • The FBI seized officers' phones and uncovered the text messages in March 2021.
  • Rombough pleaded guilty in January 2025.

The players

Eric Allen Rombough

A 46-year-old former Antioch police officer considered a 'ringleader' in the police corruption scandal.

Morteza Amiri

A former Antioch police officer who liked to unleash his police dog on people.

Devon Wenger

A former Antioch police officer who was also sentenced for his role in the corruption scandal.

Jeffrey S. White

The senior U.S. District Judge who presided over the cases involving the Antioch and Pittsburg police officers.

Craig H. Missakian

The San Francisco-based U.S. Attorney who described the sentencing as a key milestone in the multi-year effort to root out corruption.

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What they’re saying

“It was a terrible thing on the entire community at large. In many ways, it appeared as though you were the ringleader of, I hate to say, terrorist police officers.”

— Jeffrey S. White, Senior U.S. District Judge

“We entrust law enforcement with vast power, and when they abuse it, they not only betray the oath they took and the community they serve, but they also undermine the public's trust in our criminal justice system.”

— Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Attorney

The takeaway

The Antioch police corruption scandal exposed a culture of abuse, racism, and lack of accountability that severely damaged public trust in law enforcement. Rombough's sentencing marks the end of a multi-year federal investigation, but the work to restore faith in the criminal justice system continues.