SANGER - Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives have booked 37-year-old J.D. Torrence of Corcoran into the Fresno County Jail on charges of sexual battery and unlawfully detaining a person. He has since made his bail that was set at $250,000.On June 24th, a citizen reported an allegation of misconduct to the Sanger Police Department. The complaint was made against Sanger Police Officer J.D. Torrence. Sanger Police requested the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office handle the investigation, which they accepted.
Sheriff’s detectives learned that on June 23rd, while on-duty, Officer Torrence stopped his patrol vehicle to check on a car parked in the city of 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 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.
Sheriff’s detectives learned that on June 23rd, while on-duty, Officer Torrence stopped his patrol vehicle to check on a car parked in the city of 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 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.The officer was wearing a body camera but did not activate it. He also did not call his dispatchers to inform them of the call he was handling. Both are standard policy requirements.
Sanger Police Chief Greg Garner issued the following statement, “The Sanger Police Department finds these allegations to be deeply disturbing. Due to the 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 Sergeant Chad Stokes at (559) 600-8144 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
