The Wagner Law Group is urging individuals who were sexually abused, assaulted, manipulated, or coerced by former Sanger Police Department officer J.D. Torrence to come forward and contact the firm's confidential Abuse Victim Hotline. While Torrence has been criminally convicted and sentenced to life in prison, a criminal sentence does not provide financial compensation to those he harmed. The firm, which is already representing multiple survivors, recently secured a $5.25 million settlement for one victim, demonstrating the potential for civil legal action.
Torrence used the authority of his police badge to exploit individuals during official interactions, such as traffic stops, investigations, and detentions. Prosecutors proved he abused this authority for sexual purposes, creating a severe imbalance of power. Many survivors may have remained silent due to fear, embarrassment, community pressure, or direct threats. The trauma for some has lasted years without accountability. Civil lawsuits allow victims to pursue financial compensation and demand accountability not only from the perpetrator but also from institutions that may have failed to prevent or address the misconduct. The firm's recent settlement represents only one survivor's claim, and other individuals may have independent legal rights.
Survivors may have a valid civil claim if Torrence engaged in unwanted sexual touching, pressured or coerced them into sexual acts, implied legal consequences for refusal, used intimidation while in uniform, or if they reported the misconduct and it was ignored. California law has expanded legal protections for survivors, including extended filing windows in certain circumstances. Even if an incident occurred years ago, survivors should not assume their claim is barred, as legal deadlines depend on specific facts. Consultations with the firm's attorneys are free and confidential, and calling does not obligate anyone to file a lawsuit. The purpose is to inform survivors of their rights and explain legal options.
Sexual abuse carried out under color of law is a profound abuse of power. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, psychological trauma, therapy expenses, medical care, lost wages, and long-term harm. While financial recovery cannot undo what happened, it can provide resources for healing and hold responsible parties accountable. The firm emphasizes that justice often begins with a single phone call. For more information on legal rights in such cases, survivors can learn about California evidence rules that may affect their claim. The Wagner Law Group encourages anyone affected, or those who know someone who may have been affected, to seek confidential legal advice promptly to protect their rights.
