J DeShawn Torrence, former Sanger Police Officer, Convicted of Felony Sexual Assault Under the Color of Law

gavelSANGER, CALIFORNIA (February 16, 2025) – A former Sanger police officer identified as J DeShawn Torrence was convicted of eight counts of sexually assaulting women while on duty.

The conviction was announced by the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of California. J DeShawn Torrence encountered his victims during the course of his official duties.

According to the press release from the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of California, “[t]he jury found that the offenses included kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, and attempted aggravated sexual abuse, and aso caused bodily injury.”

The press release continues, “[J DeShawn Torrence] kidnapped a 21‑year-old woman who was walking to a store to buy groceries for her young children, drove her outside of town in his police car, and sexually assaulted her at an isolated dead end. Torrence forcibly raped a second victim, a 67-year-old woman, after following her into her home during a DUI investigation.”

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025. He is facing the possibility of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

 

Legal Considerations for Sexual Assaults Involving Police Officers

Sexual assaults and misconduct by police officers are unfortunately quite common. According to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, “Over the past five years more than 300 officers have been reported for rape and 500 for sexual assault. Only ten of those accused of sexual assault have been convicted. The vast majority – 350 – are still working for the police.” Police departments should take numerous actions in order to prevent suspects from being sexually assaulted by their officers.

  • Police departments should develop and enforce clear codes of conduct with respect to appropriate behavior with suspects.
  • Police departments should ensure all of their officers undergo thorough background checks.
  • Police departments should investigate all allegations of official misconduct involving their officers.

All people in California have a legal right to live free from excessive force or sexual assault that is exercised under the color of law. If a police officer sexually assaults a suspect under the color of law, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. This may include instances where an officer gropes a suspect or engages in sexual activity. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual assault involving a police 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.

It can be hard to know where to begin if you’ve been sexually assaulted by a police officer. Police officers are respected members of the community, and victims face potentially severe consequences for ignoring the request of officers. It is therefore imperative that predators within any police department are charged to the fullest extent of the law and removed from service. Any person that is sexually assaulted by a police officer may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

 

Investigating Sexual Assaults Involving Sanger Police Officers

We at the Sehat Law Firm were deeply concerned to learn about the horrific crimes of J DeShawn Torrence. Every person in California is safer now that this individual has been imprisoned. There needs to be a thorough investigation into how any officer was able to commit so many crimes before eventually being caught. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents down the road.

Have you or someone that you care about been sexually assaulted by a police officer under the color of law? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to holding perpetrators and their enablers in law enforcement accountable for their criminal actions. Whether you just have legal questions or would like a free independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to our office anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

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