Monday, September 30, 2013

City of San Diego Pays Out $800,000 to Settle Sexual Assault Claim Against Police Officer

Unfortunately, sexual assaults by law enforcement officers are not as uncommon as one might think. Like any other person with authority, they are prone to abusing that authority and using it to exploit women into sexual encounters. This case is particularly egregious in that the officer preyed upon many women over several years by sexually assaulting them under the guise of an arrest. The officer was criminally convicted of sexual assault and battery charges and is now serving prison time. This conduct gives rise to civil claims for damages like this one against both the officer and the municipality that hired them. Claims may include negligent hiring, training or supervision and federal civil rights claims. A claim for a civil rights violation usually falls under 42 United States Code section 1983 which requires proof that the officer committed the wrongful conduct in his or her official capacity and that this caused harm to the victim. Glotzer and Sweat LLP - California Lawyers for Sexual Assault and Abuse Victims

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