SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Attorneys for a transgender woman are calling out San Francisco police and prosecutors for dragging their feet in investigating and bringing criminal charges against a former San Francisco Sheriff’s Deputy who was fired for alleged sexual misconduct at the San Francisco County jail.
It was on Sept. 11 of last year that a San Francisco sheriff’s deputy is alleged to have sexually assaulted a transgender inmate in a bathroom at the jail. Following a preliminary investigation, the sheriff fired the deputy.
But now, six months later, there have been no criminal charges filed.
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“This is a travesty,” said Megan Burns, one of the attorneys for the woman known as “Jane Doe.” “Our client has met with investigators more times than I can count, where she has had to relive her trauma repeatedly. There is forensic evidence that corroborates her account, and still, there has been no movement towards justice.”
San Francisco police say the case is still being “diligently investigated” by their special victims unit.
But attorneys for Doe fear that “this could create a chilling effect that causes other victims and individuals that are already from marginalized and vulnerable communities to be discouraged from coming forward,” said Attorney Sanjay Schmidt.
At a news conference Tuesday, both Schmidt and Burns said law enforcement has had more than enough time and evidence to have brought criminal charges against the deputy.
“Waiting for those in authority to take responsibility is simply not an option,” Burns said.
Attorneys say they have already interviewed one additional potential victim and believe there may be others out there.
While their client waits for justice, they have filed a civil claim against the City and County of San Francisco. That is the first step towards filing a civil rights lawsuit, which they say could be just months away.
“This case is about the abuse of authority and the inherently coercive power imbalance between incarcerated individuals and sworn officers,” Burns said. “There is no consent in custody.”