In a shocking turn of events, an Orange County woman has come forward with serious allegations against a former officer of the Anaheim Police Department. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in her federal lawsuit, claims she was raped by the officer, Carlos Romero, after he unlawfully obtained her personal information from her license plate. This case not only raises eyebrows regarding the actions of law enforcement but also highlights the serious issues of trust and safety within communities.
The incident reportedly occurred after a chance encounter at an In-N-Out Burger, where Romero allegedly used his position to pursue the woman. According to the lawsuit, the officer's actions represent a severe violation of both the woman's rights and the public's trust in law enforcement officials. This situation is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability within police departments.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial to understand the implications of such allegations on the victims and the community at large. This case serves as a wake-up call for necessary reforms in police practices and the protection of individuals' rights. The ramifications are profound, and they invite a broader conversation about how to ensure safety and justice for all.
An Orange County woman filed a federal lawsuit Monday against an Anaheim Police Department officer, alleging that he raped her after seeing her at an In-N-Out Burger and getting her name by running her license plate number.
The woman, who is referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, sued former Officer Carlos Romero, the city of Anaheim and 10 members of the Police Department, alleging sexual battery and civil rights violations, among other claims.
Romero’s alleged actions “were committed maliciously, oppressively and/or in reckless disregard of Plaintiff’s constitutional rights,” the lawsuit states.
Romero was placed on paid administrative leave in 2023 after the allegations were brought to the attention of the police department, pending criminal and administrative investigations, Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster said in a Tuesday statement.
“We hold our police officers to the highest standards, and our police department thoroughly investigates all matters of employee misconduct,” he said. “Beyond that, we need to respect restrictions under state law that prevent us from further comment on ongoing personnel investigations.”
According to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the woman was in the drive-through at an In-N-Out Burger on May 19, 2023, near Orange Avenue and Brookhurst Street when she noticed Romero smiling at her.
The next day, she got a Facebook request from Romero and asked him whether he was the officer at In-N-Out, according to the lawsuit. Romero said that he was and explained that he got her information by running her license plate. He then asked for and got the woman’s phone number.
Romero started texting the woman, the suit alleges, even while she made it clear that she wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship. Over the next few months, Romero would
