(KMJ) – A Sanger Police officer now faces sexual battery and unlawfully detaining a person while on duty.
That department requested the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conduct the investigation into allegation brought against 37-year-old Officer J.D. Torrence.
Here are the circumstances surrounding his arrest, as shared via the Sheriff’s Office:
On June 23rd, while on-duty, Officer Torrence stopped his patrol vehicle to check on a car parked in Sanger. Inside were a man and woman. Officer Torrence detained the woman and had her stand next to his patrol vehicle due to possibly being intoxicated. During his interview with the woman, Torrence touched the woman against her will in a sexual manner. The woman realized this was an inappropriate behavior; fearing she would be further assaulted, she walked away to a well-lit business and stayed there until Officer Torrence left the area.
Detectives booked Torrence into the Fresno County Jail on charges of sexual battery and unlawfully detaining a person. His bail was set at $250,000.
Following the arrest of this officer, Sanger Police Chief Greg Garner issued the following statement:
“The Sanger Police Department finds these allegations to be deeply disturbing. Due to criminal nature of the allegations, Officer Torrence’s peace officer powers were suspended immediately, he was placed on administrative leave and the investigation was turned over to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The Sanger Police Department encourages anyone who has experienced misconduct by law enforcement personnel to file a report.”
Sheriff’s detectives believe there may be other victims who have had inappropriate interactions with J.D. Torrence, but failed to file a report. Anyone with such information is asked to please contact the Sergeant Chad Stokes at (559) 600-8144 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
