Former Sanger, California Police Officer DeShawn Torrence Arrested and Charged With Sexually Assaulting Women While On Duty
SANGER, CALIFORNIA (January 16, 2025) – A former Sanger, California police officer identified as DeShawn Torrence has been charged with sexually assaulting several women while acting as a police officer.
The defendant was previously indicted in July 2022. DeShawn Torrence is being accused of numerous crimes, including asking the victim to remove their clothing and engaging in sex acts, all while serving as a police officer.
The defendant has also received a new indictment that adds an additional victim. According to that indictment, he sexually assaulted a victim after locking her inside of his patrol vehicle and transporting her to an isolated location.
DeShawn Torrence is facing life in prison if convicted of his charges and a $250,000 fine. A full investigation into all of the allegations remains ongoing at this time.
Legal Considerations for Sexual Abuse Involving Police Officers
Sexual abuse involving police officers remains all too common in the United States. According to research from Bowling Green State University reported by WVLT, “officers in the U.S. were charged with forcible rape 405 times between 2005 and 2013. That’s an average of 45 a year. There were 636 instances of forcible fondling. Experts say the statistics on sexual assaults by police are almost nonexistent.” Police departments should take a number of measures in order to prevent sexual misconduct involving their officers.
- Police departments should establish clear policies and codes of conduct with respect to sexual abuse.
- Police department should require that all officers undergo mandatory training with respect to sexual harassment.
- Police department should perform a thorough background check on all of the officers that they hire.
- Police departments should make their officers wear body cameras whenever they are performing official duties.
- Police departments should have accountability and reporting mechanisms to thoroughly investigate all allegations of misconduct.
- Police department should set a clear example by addressing and condemning all known instances of abuse and misconduct.
It is illegal for any police officer to engage in sexual misconduct of a suspect under the color of law. Pursuant to California Penal Code 234.4, “Any person who touches an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the accused or an accomplice, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of sexual battery.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any suspected instance of sexual abuse involving a law enforcement officer.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the assault should be preserved.
- Body camera footage from the officer involved should be retrieved.
- The history of abuse allegations involving the officer involved should be understood.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
If a police officer sexually abuses a suspect while on duty, the department that they work for could potentially be held liable. Consider, for example, Rogers v. City of Little Rock. An Eighth Circuit Court held that an officer was acting under the color of law when he pulled over a woman and allegedly followed her home before sexually assaulting her. This constituted a civil rights violation. Any person who is sexually assaulted by a police officer may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all the facts of your case and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued.
Investigating California Police Officer Sexual Assaults
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been impacted by the actions of DeShawn Torrence. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all of the victims.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually assaulted by a police officer in California? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that people are aware of the rights, and that police officers are held accountable for their illegal actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance after an assault, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.
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