Orange County Woman Files Federal Lawsuit Against Anaheim Police Officer for Alleged Rape

An Orange County woman has filed a federal lawsuit against an Anaheim Police Department officer, alleging that he raped her after an encounter at an In-N-Out Burger. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court of Central California, accuses former Officer Carlos Romero, the city of Anaheim, and 10 members of the police department of sexual battery and civil rights violations, among other claims.

Alleged Actions and Response

The lawsuit claims that Romero's alleged actions "were committed maliciously, oppressively and/or in reckless disregard of the plaintiff’s constitutional rights." The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, mentioned that Romero smiled at her while she was at the drive-through of an In-N-Out on May 19, 2023, near Orange Avenue and Brookhurst Street. Romero allegedly acquired the woman's information by running her license plate and subsequently contacted her via Facebook.

Romero then reportedly initiated communication with the woman, despite her expressing disinterest in a romantic relationship. The lawsuit asserts that Romero continued to text her and visit her at her residence while on duty. Although the woman rebuffed Romero's advances, the suit alleges that he forcibly assaulted her on a later occasion.

Following the allegations, Romero was placed on paid administrative leave in 2023, pending criminal and administrative investigations. Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster emphasized that the police department upholds high standards and thoroughly investigates all matters of employee misconduct. He stated that further comments on ongoing personnel investigations are restricted by state law.

Details of the Assault

The lawsuit details an incident where Romero allegedly drove to the woman's home in his patrol vehicle, wearing his uniform, and proceeded to sexually assault her. Despite the woman's repeated refusals and expressions of non-consent, the suit alleges that Romero forcibly penetrated her and compelled her to perform oral sex.

The woman further claimed that she was terrified and fearful for her life during the assault, emphasizing that she only wanted Romero to leave. The suit highlights the physical, emotional, and mental injuries that the woman suffered, along with the subsequent medical and psychological expenses, lost wages, and seeks in excess of $7 million in damages.