A woman in Orange County has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Anaheim police officer Carlos Romero, alleging that he raped her at her home several months after initially contacting her. The lawsuit, filed at the federal courthouse in Santa Ana, adds to the ongoing internal department investigation and criminal charge that Romero is already facing for the alleged misuse of a DMV database.
According to the civil complaint, the woman, identified as Jane Doe, encountered Romero at an In-N-Out restaurant near Orange Avenue and Brookhurst Street on May 19, 2023. Romero reportedly stared at her and smiled, prompting the woman to receive a “friend request” from him on Facebook the following day. Romero admitted to spotting her at the restaurant and using her license plate information to locate her name.
Initially, the woman consented to Romero’s advances, believing it would be beneficial to have a positive relationship with a local police officer. However, she made it clear that she was not interested in a romantic relationship. Romero allegedly texted her while on duty and occasionally visited her home, where she consented to kissing but denied his requests for sexual intercourse.
On September 25, 2023, Romero called and texted the woman, asking to visit her home. Despite informing him that she was not in the mood for sex, Romero arrived at her residence in his police vehicle, wearing his uniform. The woman allowed Romero to kiss her and perform oral sex, but when he forcefully digitally penetrated her, she expressed her discomfort. Ignoring her objections, Romero proceeded to have non-consensual intercourse with her and forced her to perform oral sex on him.
Throughout the ordeal, the woman felt terrified and feared for her life, as Romero’s gun was within reach and in plain sight. She repeatedly communicated her lack of consent to Romero, who disregarded her pleas. The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in monetary damages and names the city of Anaheim and nine other unnamed city or police department employees as defendants.
Anaheim City Spokesman Mike Lester confirmed that Romero was placed on leave in October when the allegations came to light. The Anaheim Police Department launched both criminal and administrative investigations into the matter. The results of the criminal investigation were sent to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, which declined to file charges due to insufficient evidence.
Romero is currently facing a misdemeanor charge for disclosing DMV information without authorization, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The case remains active.
As the internal investigation continues, the Anaheim Police Department emphasizes its commitment to holding its officers to the highest standards and thoroughly investigating all allegations of employee misconduct. Further comments on ongoing personnel investigations are restricted by state law.
