The Wagner Law Group has secured a $5.25 million settlement from the City of Sanger for a victim of sexual abuse by former police officer J.D. Torrence, who was convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults committed while on duty. This case, which spanned over six years with the last reported incident occurring in 2022, represents a significant development in addressing abuses of power by law enforcement officials.
Former Sanger Police Department officer J.D. Torrence was convicted in Federal Court and is currently serving five consecutive life terms for crimes including kidnapping, rape, and sexual assault. According to court documents, Torrence forced women into his police car, prevented them from leaving, and sexually assaulted them. The nature of these crimes represents what Sanger Police Chief John Reynolds called "one of the most serious betrayals of public trust possible."
Butch Wagner of The Wagner Law Group emphasized the authority and power dynamics that made this case particularly damaging. "This survivor can move on with her life now. The major tragedy in this case is the authority issue, the power issue that is so damaging," Wagner stated. The settlement marks what attorneys describe as just the beginning of attempts to compensate victims for the abuse of power by this former Sanger police officer.
The Wagner Law Group, which has recovered over $300 million for victims according to their website at https://www.wagnerlawgroup.com, is representing multiple victims in this case and believes there are more victims who have yet to come forward. "We are representing multiple victims in this case and we strongly believe there are more victims whom have yet to come forward," Wagner said. The firm maintains a 5-star reputation for legal excellence and continues to advocate for injured individuals throughout Fresno, the Central Valley, and Lake Tahoe.
This settlement has national implications for how municipalities address police misconduct and victim compensation. The case demonstrates the severe consequences when those entrusted with public safety violate that trust through criminal behavior. Legal experts suggest this settlement may encourage other victims of police misconduct to seek justice through civil proceedings, potentially leading to increased accountability measures within law enforcement agencies.
The Wagner Law Group offers no-cost consultations for individuals who believe they were abused by members of the Sanger Police Department or any other police department. While the firm's work in this particular case focuses on Sanger, the implications extend to police departments nationwide, highlighting the need for robust oversight and victim support systems when authority figures abuse their positions.
