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 contact the firm's confidential Abuse Victim Hotline at (833)-200-7111. The firm, which is currently representing multiple survivors, recently secured a $5.25 million settlement for one victim. Attorney Butch Wagner emphasized that survivors may have significant legal rights and that delaying action could jeopardize their ability to pursue compensation.
J.D. Torrence used his authority as a police officer to exploit and victimize individuals during official interactions. Prosecutors proved he abused his power to detain, question, intimidate, and isolate members of the public for sexual purposes. Although Torrence has been criminally convicted and sentenced to life in prison, his criminal sentence does not provide financial compensation to every person he harmed. The Wagner Law Group's recent settlement demonstrates the potential for civil recovery, but the firm believes there may be additional survivors who have not yet come forward.
Sexual abuse committed by a police officer creates a severe imbalance of power that often leads survivors to remain silent due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, community pressure, or the belief they won't be believed. The Wagner Law Group clarifies that survivors still have legal options through civil lawsuits, which 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 misconduct. The firm's website at https://www.thewagnerlawgroup.com provides information about their approach to such cases.
Individuals may have valid civil claims if Torrence engaged in unwanted sexual touching, pressured or coerced them into sexual acts, implied legal consequences for refusal, used intimidation or isolation while in uniform, or if they reported misconduct that was ignored. California law has expanded legal protections for survivors of sexual abuse, including extended filing windows in certain circumstances. Even if incidents occurred years ago, survivors should not assume their claims are automatically barred, as legal deadlines depend on specific facts that deserve individual evaluation.
Consultations with The Wagner Law Group are free and confidential, and calling does not obligate individuals to file a lawsuit. The firm can protect identities to the fullest extent allowed by law. The purpose of contacting the hotline is to inform survivors of their rights and explain legal options. Sexual abuse carried out under color of law represents a profound abuse of power, and 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 both accountability and resources for healing.
The firm's recent case result highlights the substantial recovery possible for survivors. More information about sexual abuse litigation can be found at https://www.thewagnerlawgroup.com/practice-areas/sexual-abuse. Survivors of sexual abuse by former Sanger Police Officer J.D. Torrence are encouraged to act promptly to protect their legal rights through the confidential Abuse Victim Hotline at (833)-200-7111.
