Former San Diego Deputy Sentenced for Excessive Force, Falsifying Records

Former San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremiah Manuyag Flores was sentenced to 57 months in federal prisonafter being convicted of violating the civil rights of a pretrial detainee by using excessive force that caused a spinal injury and then falsifying records to cover up his actions.

The sentence follows Flores' conviction on two federal felony counts: deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records in a federal investigation.

According to evidence presented during a weeklong trial in December 2025, Flores shoved a handcuffed and shackled detainee, identified in court only as J.P., from behind while escorting him inside a holding facility. The victim struck a wall headfirst, suffered a fractured spinal column, and collapsed to the floor.

Prosecutors said Flores failed to provide medical assistance or report the use of force, as required by department policy. Instead, the injured detainee remained on the floor of his cell for more than two hours before another deputy discovered his condition.

Authorities also said Flores later submitted an inmate status report falsely stating that "no force was used," in an attempt to conceal the incident.

After a weeklong trial, the jury deliberated for just two hours before finding Flores guilty on both counts.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said the sentence demonstrates that law enforcement officers who violate constitutional rights will be held accountable.

"When a law enforcement officer abuses his authority and violates someone's constitutional rights, there will be serious consequences," Gordon said.

FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said accountability is essential to maintaining public trust, adding that officers who abuse their authority must face the consequences of their actions.

At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez described Flores' conduct as "egregious," emphasizing that the public depends on law enforcement officers to uphold the law and protect the rights of those in their custody. The judge also criticized Flores for failing to help the injured detainee and attempting to conceal what had occurred.

Flores, who had remained free on bond, was ordered to report to federal prison by Aug. 18, 2026. Following his convictions, he was terminated by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and is permanently barred from serving as a law enforcement officer at the local, state, or federal level.