Media runs with out-of-context Facebook comment, resulting in death threats and bad press for retired California police officer Billy Dishman. Allen Sawyer steps in.

From June 26, 2020, onward, the major news outlets took a comment posted to a [now deleted] Facebook thread about Black Lives Matter activist and journalist Shaun King out of context, creating hateful headlines with the misleading message. This caused the loss of employment, an FBI investigation, a barrage of death threats, and a smear campaign against Billy Dishman, a retired California law enforcement officer with more than 25 years of service in the San Jose Police Department.

Notably on the same thread in earlier contributor comments, the theme had morphed into a wholly inappropriate discussion, including that of harming BLM activist Shaun King, along with several violent and threatening posts; however, Mr. Dishman’s comment was in no way referring to or inciting that violence nor was it in response to those remarks. Consequently, the Facebook thread has been removed, preventing the original material from being seen by the public and the truth be known.

In a July 6th FOX40 interview, Mr. Sawyer expresses his regret and concern over how the media has handled this matter:

“Dishman’s one-liner, ‘Let’s get it going…I’m in’ was totally taken out of context to paint him as some sort of violent racist,” Attorney Allen Sawyer remarked.

Allen Sawyer believes that the media is responsible for the obliteration of negative headline news articles that spiraled out of control for several days in late June—causing death threats to Mr. Dishman, forcing him to move out of his home, lose his part-time job, undergo an FBI investigation, and be the recipient of a full-fledged character assassination.

View the corresponding press release.

Stockton Attorney Allen Sawyer is calling on the media to clear up any misunderstandings, put Mr. Dishman’s innocuous comment in the context it was intended, and ensure that Billy Dishman is treated fairly, including the restoration of his reputation.

“The media has played a huge part in blowing this situation out of proportion. I intend on using the same platform to disseminate my client’s message.”

A retired California police officer with more than 25 solid years’ experience, Billy Dishman is a family man who has a spotless career in law enforcement and a past that is free from racism, social media commentary, and confrontation. His solo comment was in no way meant to harm Mr. King, laud, or underscore the violent and inappropriate remarks posted by some of the other contributors. Mr. Dishman has dedicated his life to protecting the public and deserves fair treatment.

About California Defense Attorney Allen Sawyer

With offices in Stockton, San Jose, and Sacramento, The Law Offices of Allen Sawyer comprise unparalleled attorney representation for a range of legal matters across the state. Additionally, Mr. Sawyer can be seen regularly on local television news, handling cases for politicians, celebrities, sports figures, and matters in the public eye.

Misdemeanors and felonies, Allen Sawyer litigates California criminal defense cases including, but not limited to, the following categories:

Mr. Sawyer fights for the rights of the accused. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Allen Sawyer directly at (209) 645-0556.