A former officer of the Sanger Police Department, J. DeShawn Torrence, has been handed down a sentence of five consecutive life sentences for the sexual assaults of four women while on duty, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of California. The 41-year-old Torrence was convicted by a federal jury earlier this year on multiple counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Charges included kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, and attempted sexual abuse.
In January 2025, during a trial that lasted over two weeks, jurors heard evidence of Torrence's criminal activities, which he carried out while leveraging his position as a law enforcement officer. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon was quoted saying, "The defendant's conduct was premediated and depraved. He repeatedly abused his official authority to exploit women who expected the police to protect them." The U.S. Attorney's Office described how Torrence utilized his police powers to not only violate but to systematically terrorize his victims, actions which he was fully expected to guard against.
The case that culminated in Torrence's sentence provides a chilling narrative of power abused and trust shattered. Detailed accounts include an incident where Torrence kidnapped a 21-year-old mother and sexually assaulted her at a remote location, as well as a confrontation where he followed a 67-year-old woman home under the pretext of a DUI investigation only to rape her. He then continued to intimidate and stalk her, profoundly misusing his authority and community standing.
Expressions of relief and justice were shared by several involved in the case, including U.S. Attorney Eric Grant stated, "This sentence sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and those who exploit their position to violate the civil rights of others will face the full force of justice," as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The FBI's Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel also praised the bravery of the women who stepped forward to honestly witness against Torrence and emphasized the role of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office in bringing the former officer to justice. Their dedication helped to bring about a sentence that, according to officials, reflects the gravity of the crimes committed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office were both fundamental to the investigation that led to Torrence's conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer prosecuted the case, further elaborating on the severe violations of the constitutional rights of the women affected.
