The Wagner Law Group, a California civil litigation firm, is urging individuals who were sexually abused, assaulted, or coerced by former Sanger Police Department officer J.D. Torrence to contact their confidential Abuse Victim Hotline at (833)-200-7111. The firm, which has already secured a $5.25 million settlement for one survivor, emphasizes that other victims may have legal rights and that delaying action could jeopardize their ability to pursue compensation.
J.D. Torrence, who was criminally convicted and sentenced to life in prison for using his authority as a police officer to exploit and victimize individuals, abused his position during official interactions such as traffic stops, investigations, and detentions. Despite his criminal sentence, which does not provide financial compensation to all harmed individuals, civil lawsuits remain a viable avenue for survivors to seek accountability and damages.
“If you were harmed by J.D. Torrence in any way, you may have significant legal rights — and delaying action could jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation,” said Butch Wagner of The Wagner Law Group. The firm’s attorneys have experience handling sex abuse cases involving law enforcement and offer free, confidential consultations to survivors.
Survivors may have valid civil claims if Torrence engaged in unwanted sexual touching, pressured them into sexual acts, used threats of arrest or legal trouble, or if their reports of misconduct were ignored. California law has expanded protections for sexual abuse survivors, including extended filing deadlines, so even incidents from years ago may still be eligible for legal action.
The firm stresses that survivors should not remain silent due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or disbelief. “Sexual abuse committed by a police officer creates a severe imbalance of power. Many survivors remain silent due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, community pressure, or the belief that no one will believe them,” the firm stated in a press release.
Civil lawsuits can provide compensation for emotional distress, psychological trauma, therapy expenses, medical care, lost wages, and long-term harm. The Wagner Law Group has a track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in cases involving sexual abuse, police misconduct, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death.
Individuals who were harmed or know someone who may have been affected are encouraged to call the Abuse Victim Hotline at (833)-200-7111. The call is free and confidential, and callers are not obligated to file a lawsuit. The firm aims to inform survivors of their rights and legal options.
For more information, visit The Wagner Law Group website or contact their Fresno office at (559) 449-1800 or South Lake Tahoe office at (530) 541-6361.
