Sanger Police Department Officer's Sexual Abuse Case Results in $5.25 Million Settlement for Victim

The Wagner Law Group has secured a $5.25 million settlement from the City of Sanger for a victim of sexual abuse by a former police officer, marking a significant development in addressing abuses of power by law enforcement. The case involves former Sanger Police Department officer J.D. Torrence, who was convicted in Federal Court and is currently serving five consecutive life terms for rapes, sexual assaults, and kidnapping committed while on duty over a six-year period ending in 2022. According to Butch Wagner of The Wagner Law Group, "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 in this case."

The settlement represents more than just financial compensation—it acknowledges the profound violation of public trust inherent in such crimes. Sanger Police Chief John Reynolds previously addressed the case, calling Torrence's actions "one of the most serious betrayals of public trust possible." The nature of Torrence's crimes involved forcing women into his police car, not letting them out, and then sexually assaulting them, creating a pattern of abuse that exploited his position of authority. The Wagner Law Group believes there are more victims who have yet to come forward, as Torrence was committing these crimes regularly during his tenure.

This case has national implications for how municipalities handle police misconduct and victim compensation. The settlement is described as "just the beginning of starting to attempt to compensate victims for the abuse of power" by the former officer. The Wagner Law Group, which has recovered over $300 million for victims according to their track record, is encouraging other potential victims to come forward. They offer no-cost consultations through their victim hotline at https://thewagnerlawgroup.com for anyone who believes they were abused by members of the Sanger Police Department or any other police department.

The legal firm's involvement underscores the importance of specialized representation in cases involving institutional power dynamics. With a reputation as a premier law firm with 5-star reviews, The Wagner Law Group continues to advocate for victims throughout Fresno, the Central Valley, and Lake Tahoe. The settlement serves as both compensation for one victim and a signal to other victims that legal recourse is available, potentially encouraging more survivors to seek justice in similar cases of abuse by authority figures.