Anaheim Police Officer Sued for Alleged Sexual Assault
On July 8, a federal lawsuit was filed by Betts Law Group and the Law Office of Gregory Peacock against Anaheim police officer Carlos Romero and the city of Anaheim. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, accuses Romero of sexual assault and battery.
Whitney Betts of Betts Law Group has years of experience representing survivors of sexual assault in California, which is why she ready to provide her years of experience to jointly the file the suit with the Law Office of Gregory Peacock.
The Disturbing Details of the Assault
The lawsuit alleges a disturbing pattern of abuse of power. According to the filing, the instance began when Doe noticed Romero smiling at her while she was at an In-N-Out restaurant on May 19, 2023.
Doe’s lawsuit levels multiple charges against both Romero and the city of Anaheim. Against Romero, she alleges sexual assault, battery, violation of her Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizure, and violation of her Fourteenth Amendment due process rights.
The lawsuit also holds the city of Anaheim responsible for the incident. Doe alleges that the city failed to adequately train and supervise Romero, leading to the violation of her constitutional rights.
Romero has since been placed on administrative leave by the Anaheim Police Department and, according to Mike Lyster, a spokesperson for the city of Anaheim, a criminal investigation has been launched by officials.
Chilling Statistics About Sexual Assault
Sadly, sexual assault is not an uncommon occurrence in the United States. One in five women will experience completed or attempted rape in their lifetimes. In California, more than 86% of women and 53% of men have have experienced some sort of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it is estimated that more than 2 out of 3 sexual assaults are reported to the police. Some of the reasons that sexual assault is not reported include:
- Fear of retaliation from the perpetrator and the community
- Uncertainty that law enforcement would do anything to help
- Believed it was not important enough to report
At Betts Law Group, we encourage all survivors to document and report instances of sexual assault so that they can ensure justice is served.
What to Do After Sexual Assault
We understand that the trauma of sexual assault goes beyond physical harm. It’s a violation of trust, safety, and personal autonomy that can stay with those that are affected. The aftermath of a sexual assault can be overwhelming, but there are resources available to support you. Some of the steps you should take after a sexual assault:
- Immediately go to a safe place and reach out to a trusted loved one or call a survivor hotline
- Once you feel safe, assess if you need medical attention, which can help gather evidence for your case
- Contact a therapist or counselor to help you process the assault, cope with the emotional aftermath, and regain a sense of control
- Seek legal help if you plan on pursuing criminal or civil charges against your assailant
Our sexual assault attorneys at Betts Law Group have represented countless survivors throughout their sexual assault cases, and we are committed to empowering survivors and helping them reclaim their lives.
Contact Betts Law Group
This lawsuit serves as a reminder that those entrusted with our safety can abuse their power. At Betts Law Group, we are dedicated to seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been affected by such crimes, contact us today. Your voice matters, and we’re here to help.