A former Sanger police officer, J. Deshawn Torrence, 40, from Corcoran, faces additional charges of depriving constitutional rights under color of law for sexually assaulting a woman while on duty, according to a federal grand jury’s indictment on Thursday.

Torrence’s legal troubles have escalated with the latest indictment, following his initial charges in July 2022.

During that time, he was accused of various nonconsensual sexual acts, including compelling a victim to undress without a lawful reason and coercing victims into sexual encounters while fulfilling his duties as a police officer.

Additional Indictment Adds Victim

The new indictment adds another victim to the list of allegations. It claims Torrence sexually assaulted the additional victim after confining her in his patrol vehicle and transporting her to an isolated area.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office jointly announced Thursday’s developments.

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The case stems from an extensive investigation led by the FBI, with support from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar and Special Litigation Counsel Michael Songer of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Torrence Could Face Life Imprisonment

If convicted, Torrence could face severe penalties, including a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for charges related to depriving rights under color of law resulting in bodily harm, including sexual abuse.

Additionally, he could face up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for violating rights under color of law, and a maximum of ten years behind bars and a $250,000 fine for depriving rights under color of law resulting in bodily harm. Any sentence will be determined by the court after considering various factors.