An Orange County lady filed a federal lawsuit Monday towards an Anaheim Police Division officer, alleging that he raped her after seeing her at an In-N-Out Burger and getting her title by operating her license plate quantity.
The lady, who’s known as Jane Doe within the lawsuit, sued former Officer Carlos Romero, town of Anaheim and 10 members of the police division, alleging sexual battery and civil rights violations, amongst different claims.
Romero’s alleged actions “have been dedicated maliciously, oppressively and/or in reckless disregard of Plaintiff’s constitutional rights,” the lawsuit states.
Romero was positioned on paid administrative depart in 2023 after the allegations have been delivered to the eye of the police division, pending prison and administrative investigations, Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster stated in a Tuesday assertion.
“We maintain our cops to the very best requirements, and our police division completely investigates all issues of worker misconduct,” he stated. “Past that, we have to respect restrictions underneath state regulation that stop us from additional touch upon ongoing personnel investigations.”
In response to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court docket of Central California, the lady was within the drive-through at an In-N-Out on Might 19, 2023, close to Orange Avenue and Brookhurst Road when she seen Romero smiling at her.
The following day, she bought a Fb request from Romero and requested him if he was the officer at In-N-Out, in line with the lawsuit. Romero stated that he was and defined he bought her data by operating her license plate. He then requested for and bought the lady’s telephone quantity.
Romero began texting the lady, the swimsuit alleges, even whereas she made it clear she wasn’t fascinated by a romantic relationship. Over the subsequent few months, Romero would textual content her and are available to her home whereas on obligation. The 2 would kiss however the lady refused to have intercourse when Romero requested, the swimsuit alleges.
On Sept. 25, Romero requested if he might come over, however the lady instructed him she was having a “dangerous day” and that he shouldn’t come over if he wished to have intercourse. Whereas on obligation, Romero allegedly drove to her residence in his patrol car whereas sporting his uniform.
In response to the lawsuit, Romero began kissing the lady and carried out oral intercourse, which she consented to, however then he forcibly penetrated her along with his fingers and penis after she repeatedly instructed him “no” and stated his title to attempt to get him to cease. Romero additionally pressured her to carry out oral intercourse, the swimsuit alleges.
The lady stated within the lawsuit that she made it clear earlier than and after Romero allegedly sexually assaulted her that she didn’t consent. His gun was on the sofa in full view of the lady whereas he assaulted her, in line with the swimsuit.
The lady stated she “was terrified and fearful for her life” and simply wished Romero to go away.
The swimsuit alleges the lady suffered bodily, emotional and psychological accidents and has endured medical and psychological bills and misplaced wages. She is looking for in extra of $7 million.
