Honk News (Sanger, CA) – A police officer in Sanger has been convicted of sexually assaulting four women during his time on duty, according to prosecutors on Thursday.
A federal jury has convicted J. DeShawn Torrence, 42, on eight counts of violating constitutional rights under the guise of law enforcement, following his sexual assaults against four women during his tenure with the Sanger Police Department, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with great power to protect the public and keep them safe from harm,” Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith said in a news release. “This officer’s crimes were an egregious breach of that trust and an appalling abuse of power, as he repeatedly preyed on the women in his community and violated their civil rights.”
The charges also encompassed abduction, severe sexual misconduct, and attempts of severe sexual misconduct.
During the trial, the jury was presented with evidence regarding four distinct occurrences of sexual assault, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors reported that Torrence abducted a 21-year-old woman while she was on her way to a store for groceries, then took her to a secluded area outside of town where he sexually assaulted her on a dead-end road.
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During a DUI investigation, he allegedly followed a 67-year-old woman into her home and committed a violent act against her, according to prosecutors.
According to prosecutors, Torrence, dressed in a police uniform, arrived at the residence of the third victim around midnight, where he pinned her against a counter and assaulted her.
A fourth woman fell prey after Torrence repeatedly visited her residence, claiming he was conducting a domestic violence inquiry, according to prosecutors.
He compelled her to reveal herself and violated her sexually. “We appreciate the courageous individuals who stepped forward and placed their trust in us to look into the claims of sexual abuse involving a police officer,” stated Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel.
Torrence will receive sentencing on May 7, potentially facing a life sentence and a fine of $250,000 for five of the charges. The remaining individuals face a prison term of one year and potential fines reaching $100,000.
Torrence, hailing from Corcoran, faced arrest in 2019 following approximately three years of employment in Sanger.