EspañolPlacer County Deputy Wes Montz, of Rocklin, Arrested On Suspicion of Forcible Rape of an Intoxicated Person
ROCKLIN, CALIFORNIA (August 6, 2023) – A Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputy identified as Wes Montz has been arrested on suspicion of forcibly raping an intoxicated person.
Placer County officials are saying that they first heard allegations about the deputy on March 14. Deputy Wes Montz was put on administrative leave.
Two victims who were dating the deputy both came forward. After the investigation concluded, Wes Montz was arrested on Friday. He has received additional charges after a third alleged victim came forward.
The Placer County deputy is facing 16 felony charges for actions spanning from 2014 to March 2021. He is currently being held at the South Placer Jail.
Liability For Sexual Assault By Police Officers
Sexual abuse involving police officers is far more common than many realize. According to research from Bowling Green State University, police officers in the United Sates were charged with rape a total of 405 times over an 8-year period between 2005 and 2013. Another 605 officers were criminally charged with forcible touching. The vast majority of sexual assaults involving officers are never reported. There are many steps that police departments should take to prevent sexual assault.
- Police officers should be thoroughly vetted before they are allowed to join the force.
- All instances of sexual harassment or abuse involving officers should be reported and thoroughly investigated.
- Police officers should wear body cameras when they are interacting with the public.
Any person that sexually assaults another adult while the victim is intoxicated could face criminal liability under California Penal Code 261(3). Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could face civil liability if one of their officers sexually assaults someone under the color of law. Consider, for example, Rogers v. City of Little Rock. An 8th circuit court held that a police officer acted under the color of law when he followed a woman home after a traffic stop and then raped her. Victims of police abuse should take a number of steps to help preserve their rights.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be consulted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any instance of sexual assault involving a police officer. The officer may threaten the victim with additional abuse or arrest. It is important that victims understand their rights. Any person that was sexually abused by a police officer may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Involving Police Officers
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been harmed by the actions of Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputy Wes Montz. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. The accusations by the victims are extremely disturbing to say the least.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed by the action of a Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputy? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. We focus on helping people whose constitutional rights have been violated. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
