EspañolJury Found That J DeShawn Torrence Sexually Abused Multiple Women Under The Color of Law
SANGER, CALIFORNIA (July 14, 2025) – A former central California police officer identified as J DeShawn Torrence was convicted of sexually assaulting four women under the color of law.
Authorities are saying that the sexual assaults took place while the defendant was on the job. Authorities charged J DeShawn Torrence with numerous crimes, including kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, and attempted aggravated sexual abuse.
He was also accused of following a 67-year-old woman into her home and forcibly raping her during a DUI investigation. In an additional incident, J DeShawn Torrence was also accused of forcing a victim of domestic violence to expose herself and sexually assaulting her.
Liability for Sexual Assaults Involving Sanger Law Enforcement
Police officers hold positions of great authority in society. But in far too many situations, this power is used to victimize the very people that they’re supposed to serve. Sexual abuse involving police officers remains far too common. According to one study from Bowling Green State University, there were 405 police officers charged with forcible rape between 2005 and 2013. The majority of misconduct goes completely unreported. There are many steps that police departments should take to prevent sexual misconduct.
- Clear Policies: Police departments should create clear policies with respect to use-of-force and what constitutes acceptable behavior.
- Oversight: Police departments should have clear oversight policies that make it harder for sexual abuse to take place. This should include having all officers wear body cameras while they are performing official duties.
- Reporting: Police departments should have anonymous reporting mechanisms that help root out misconduct. They should have a zero tolerance policy with respect to sexual assault.
It is illegal for police officers to engage in misconduct under the guise of legitimate work. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 242, it is illegal for any police officer to deprive a suspect of their constitutional rights under the color of law. An example of this may be any instance where a police officer gropes a suspect under the guise of conducting a “search.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of misconduct involving police officers.
- Body camera footage from the officers involved should be reviewed.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The history of misconduct involving the perpetrator should be investigated.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Sexual abuse is one of the most harmful and destructive things that most people will ever experience in their lives. The trauma can be 10 times worse when it involves an authority figure like a teacher or police officer. Sadly, though, law enforcement agencies have demonstrated time and again that they will do everything that they can to deny responsibility when an officer abuses a suspect. This is why it is so critical that abuse victims seek experienced legal counsel to protect their rights and interests.
Investigating Sexual Assaults Involving Law Enforcement
We at the Carrillo Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about the actions of J DeShawn Torrence. It is deeply concerning that a police officer would commit these atrocities. Any person that may have additional information about the actions of the defendants should reach out to law enforcement. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other incidents like this.
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 personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping abuse victims understand their rights and holding perpetrators and their enablers fully accountable. Whether you 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.
