City of Sanger Approves $5.25 Million Settlement in On-Duty Police Sexual Assault Case | Fresno Sexual Assault Attorneys

Fresno, California – The Wagner Law Group announces that the City of Sanger has approved a $5.25 million settlement resolving a civil claim brought by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted twice in 2019 by a Sanger Police Department officer while he was on duty. The settlement represents a substantial measure of civil accountability in a case involving the misuse of official power and the severe, long-term trauma that can follow an assault committed under color of law.

This matter arises from allegations that former officer J. DeShawn Torrence used his position as a sworn law enforcement officer to isolate and assault women. Public reporting states the settled claimant was 67 years old at the time of the alleged assaults, and she is now 73. The Wagner Law Group’s approach in these cases is to pursue justice through the civil legal system while prioritizing client dignity, privacy, and control throughout the process.

$5.25 Million Sanger Settlement: Acknowledgment of Liability and Civil Accountability

According to public reporting, the City of Sanger approved a $5.25 million settlement with the survivor represented by The Wagner Law Group. Fresno attorney Butch Wagner explained publicly that the resolution reflects meaningful accountability and a recognition of municipal responsibility. As stated publicly: “There’s some justice done here, and that the City of Sanger has acknowledged … that they’re liable for their officers’ actions and they have to make good for it.”

No settlement can erase the harm caused by sexual violence. However, civil accountability can provide survivors with meaningful resources for treatment, stability, and recovery. It can also serve the public interest by underscoring that cities and agencies have enforceable obligations to prevent and respond to abuse committed under their authority.

City Statement Regarding Compensation After Criminal Proceedings

Public reporting indicates that City Manager Nathan Olson provided a statement acknowledging that after the criminal matter was completed, the city is working to compensate victims. In matters of this nature, such acknowledgments are significant because they recognize the separate role of civil justice and the continuing obligation to address harm after a criminal case concludes.

Criminal Conviction and Sentence: Five Consecutive Life Terms

In related federal criminal proceedings, Torrence was convicted on multiple counts involving the deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law. Public reporting indicates that eight victims were in the courtroom at the time of the guilty verdict. A judge sentenced Torrence to five consecutive life sentences in September.

Public reporting also states that the U.S. Department of Justice described nonconsensual sexual conduct while on duty occurring from 2017 to 2022. The Wagner Law Group’s investigation further supports concern that misconduct may have begun earlier. As Butch Wagner stated publicly: “We have found a victim from as far back as September of 2016.”

Fresno Sexual Assault Attorneys for Police Misconduct and Abuse of Authority

Sexual assault by an on-duty officer implicates more than individual wrongdoing. It also raises questions of institutional responsibility when a public agency’s systems do not prevent misconduct, do not identify warning signs, or do not intervene effectively. Civil litigation provides survivors a pathway to seek compensation and to demand accountability from responsible parties, including governmental entities, when supported by the evidence and permitted by law.

For individuals searching for Fresno sexual assault attorneys and sex abuse lawyers in Fresno, it is often essential to consult counsel with experience handling claims that involve public entities, civil rights issues, and high-stakes damages. The sexual abuse attorneys at The Wagner Law Group represent survivors throughout the Central Valley and across California in serious personal injury and civil rights matters, including sexual abuse claims involving authority figures.

Fresno Civil Rights Lawyer Perspective: Why Public-Entity Accountability Matters

When misconduct is committed under color of law, the civil justice system is often the only mechanism that can require a city or agency to answer specific questions through sworn testimony and document production. In appropriate cases, civil discovery may involve internal reports, complaint histories, training materials, supervision logs, dispatch data, and other evidence relevant to notice, foreseeability, and institutional safeguards.

Civil Claims in Police Sexual Assault Cases

Sexual assault by a law enforcement officer while on duty can implicate multiple civil theories of liability. While every case depends on its facts and the law that applies, these matters often involve allegations such as:

• Federal civil rights violations arising from abuse of authority under color of law and deprivation of constitutional rights.
• Public-entity negligence tied to failures in hiring, training, supervision, monitoring, discipline, and reporting systems.
• Failure to protect or comparable theories addressing known or foreseeable risk and inadequate safeguards.
• Related tort claims arising from assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress where permitted.

In these cases, the harm is frequently compounded by coercion and power imbalance. The badge, uniform, vehicle, and authority to detain can become tools of intimidation and control. That dynamic is often central to both liability and damages in police misconduct sexual assault cases.

Police Misconduct Sexual Assault: Allegations of Predatory Pattern

Public reporting quotes Butch Wagner describing alleged predatory behavior and repeated attempts to isolate women. He stated: “Torrence was out there stalking women.” He further explained that, based on investigation, there were repeated attempts to get women alone in order to assault them. Those concerns underscore why civil litigation often examines not only the assault itself, but also whether warning signs existed, whether supervision was adequate, and whether institutional safeguards were enforced.

Damages in Fresno Sexual Assault Civil Cases

Damages in civil sexual assault matters may include both economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the evidence, compensation can address:

• Medical care and mental health treatment, including trauma-informed therapy
• Future care planning and associated costs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Emotional distress, pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms
• Loss of enjoyment of life and disruption of relationships
• Safety-related expenses, including relocation, security measures, or other out-of-pocket costs

Because trauma can persist for years, the evidence development in these cases often requires careful documentation and a professional, survivor-centered presentation of harm. Public reporting reflects this reality. As Butch Wagner stated publicly: “When I talk to my clients, you can tell how traumatized they still are about events that occurred five or six years ago.”

Confidential Consultation With Fresno Sexual Assault Attorneys

Many survivors hesitate to come forward, particularly when the alleged perpetrator is a law enforcement officer. Fear of retaliation, concern about not being believed, and anxiety about public exposure can be powerful deterrents. The sexual abuse attorneys at The Wagner Law Group offer confidential consultations and evaluate whether deadlines and procedural requirements apply, including rules that can affect claims involving cities and other public entities.

Ongoing Claims and Mediation Efforts for Additional Survivors

The Wagner Law Group represents additional women who allege misconduct by Torrence. It further indicates that the parties are working with a mediator to attempt to resolve the remaining claims. Survivors should understand that civil options may exist even after a criminal case concludes and that prompt legal advice can help preserve rights and evidence.

You can see more coverage on abc30.com or yourcentralvalley.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can a city be held responsible for sexual assault committed by an on-duty police officer?

In certain circumstances, yes. Depending on the facts and applicable law, a city may face civil exposure for institutional failures related to hiring, supervision, training, discipline, or risk prevention. Public-entity liability is highly fact-specific and may involve specialized procedural requirements.

2) Is a criminal conviction required before a civil case can proceed?

No. A civil case may proceed independently of a criminal prosecution. Criminal cases focus on punishment by the state; civil cases focus on compensation and accountability by responsible parties. However, a criminal case can affect available evidence and testimony.

3) Are there deadlines for filing a civil claim against a public entity in California?

Yes. Claims involving public entities often implicate strict notice and timing rules that may be shorter than ordinary statutes of limitation. Consulting a Fresno civil rights lawyer or sexual assault attorney promptly is often critical to preserve claims.

4) What types of damages may be available in a Fresno sexual assault civil case?

Depending on the evidence, damages may include medical and counseling expenses, future care needs, lost income, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other harms tied to the assault and its aftermath.

5) Can consultations be confidential?

Yes. The sexual abuse attorneys at The Wagner Law Group conduct consultations in a confidential manner. Where appropriate, counsel may also pursue lawful strategies to protect privacy during litigation.

6) What if someone believes they were also harmed but has never reported it?

Survivors may still have legal options. Speaking with counsel does not require immediate public disclosure. A confidential consultation can help evaluate rights, deadlines, and evidence preservation steps.

7) What should a survivor do to protect potential civil claims?

Preserving information can be important. Survivors may consider keeping messages, call logs, photos, medical records, and personal notes documenting what occurred. Counsel can advise on additional steps tailored to the facts.

Contact The Wagner Law Group – Fresno Sexual Assault Attorneys

If a survivor or family member is seeking sex abuse lawyers in Fresno or Fresno sexual assault attorneys with experience handling police misconduct sexual assault and civil rights matters, The Wagner Law Group is available for confidential consultation.

The Wagner Law Group
7815 N Palm Ave., Suite 410
Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: (833) 200-7111

Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. No attorney-client relationship is formed unless a written agreement is executed.