Lady Justice
J. DeShawn Torrence, 41, received the maximum sentence for a series of predatory attacks on vulnerable women he targeted while wearing a badge.
FRESNO, Calif. – A former Sanger police officer was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison on Monday, a stark conclusion to a case that laid bare a horrific betrayal of public trust. J. DeShawn Torrence, 41, was handed five consecutive life sentences for sexually assaulting four women he encountered while on duty, using his authority as a shield to prey on those he was sworn to protect.
The sentencing in federal court follows a January trial where a jury convicted Torrence on eight counts of deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law. The jury found that five of those counts involved kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, or attempted aggravated sexual abuse, painting a picture of a calculated predator in a police uniform.
“The defendant’s conduct was premeditated and depraved,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “He repeatedly abused his official authority to exploit women who expected the police to protect them.”
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California echoed the sentiment, stating the sentence sends a “clear message: no one is above the law.”
A Pattern of Predation
During the two-and-a-half-week trial, prosecutors presented evidence detailing Torrence’s methodical pattern of abuse. The crimes, which occurred between 2022 and 2024, revealed a man who exploited his position to isolate and terrorize vulnerable women.
In one of the most chilling incidents, Torrence kidnapped a 21-year-old mother who was walking to a store to buy groceries for her children. He drove her outside of town in his marked police car, taunting her with the words, “no one is going to look for you.” He then sexually assaulted her at an isolated dead end before warning her, “no one’s going to believe you” if she reported him.
His victims spanned generations. A 67-year-old woman was forcibly raped in her own home after Torrence followed her inside during a DUI investigation. The terror did not end there; Torrence later stalked the woman by parking his police car in front of her home, using his presence to intimidate her. On one occasion, he cornered her behind her house and assaulted her again.
Another victim was assaulted after Torrence showed up at her door after midnight in full uniform. He entered her home, pinned her against the kitchen counter, and assaulted her. A fourth victim, who had previously suffered domestic violence, was targeted under the guise of a follow-up investigation. Torrence repeatedly visited her home, forcing her to expose herself by falsely claiming he needed to “photograph” her injuries. He later trapped her in her bedroom and sexually assaulted her.
Justice for the Courageous
The case was broken open by the FBI Sacramento Field Office, with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Officials praised the immense courage of the four women who came forward, knowing they were challenging a figure of authority.
“We commend the courageous women who came forward, trusting law enforcement to ensure J.D. Torrence was held accountable for his crimes,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Their bravery has prevented this predator from harming anyone else.”
