Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 30, 2026
$5.25M Settlement in Sanger Police Sex Abuse Case, More Victims Sought
TLDR
- The Wagner Law Group secured a $5.25 million settlement against Sanger, demonstrating their ability to win substantial compensation for victims of police misconduct.
- The Wagner Law Group achieved this settlement through a six-year case involving a former Sanger police officer convicted of multiple sexual assaults and kidnapping.
- This settlement helps a survivor move forward and represents progress in holding authorities accountable for abuses of power, encouraging other victims to seek justice.
- A former Sanger police officer received five consecutive life terms for on-duty sexual assaults, with a $5.25 million settlement highlighting the case's severity and ongoing victim outreach.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it exposes a severe breach of public trust within law enforcement, where an officer used his authority to commit serial sexual assaults over years, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities that can endanger community safety. For readers, it underscores the critical need for accountability and robust legal recourse when institutions fail, potentially empowering other victims to come forward and seek justice. The case also demonstrates the tangible impact of legal advocacy in securing significant compensation for survivors, which can aid in their recovery and signal to other municipalities the serious consequences of such abuses. Beyond the immediate settlement, it raises broader questions about police oversight and victim support systems, affecting public confidence and prompting calls for reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
Summary
In a landmark case that highlights systemic abuse of power, The Wagner Law Group has secured a $5.25 million settlement from the city of Sanger, California, for a survivor of sexual assault by a former police officer. The case involves former Sanger Police Department officer J.D. Torrence, who was convicted in Federal Court and is currently serving five consecutive life terms for a series of rapes and sexual assaults committed while on duty over a six-year period, with the last reported incident in 2022. The settlement, described as "just the beginning" of compensating victims for this profound betrayal of public trust, was announced by Butch Wagner of The Wagner Law Group, who emphasized the damaging "authority issue" and "power issue" at the core of the tragedy.
The Wagner Law Group, a premier California personal injury law firm with a 5-star reputation, is actively seeking other potential victims, believing there are more individuals who suffered abuse at the hands of Officer Torrence or other police officers. The firm's Fresno sex abuse lawyers and Sanger sex abuse attorneys are offering no-cost consultations via their Victim Hotline at (833) 200-7111, encouraging anyone affected to come forward to speak with an injury attorney in Fresno. With a track record of recovering over $300 million for victims, the firm positions itself as a powerful advocate for those injured by such abuses, operating from offices in Fresno and South Lake Tahoe to serve communities throughout the Central Valley.
This case has drawn national attention, with Sanger Police Chief John Reynolds condemning Torrence's actions as "one of the most serious betrayals of public trust possible." The Wagner Law Group continues to leverage its expertise, not only in sexual assault cases but also as a dedicated personal injury law firm handling matters like car accidents, to provide clear information and experienced representation for accident victims and families seeking fair compensation and accountability. The firm's commitment to client-focused legal excellence underscores its role in helping victims take the first step toward recovery in the aftermath of such devastating violations.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, $5.25M Settlement in Sanger Police Sex Abuse Case, More Victims Sought
