San Joaquin county Settles sexual Abuse Claim Against Former Sheriff’s Sergeant for $1.1 Million
Stockton, CA – San Joaquin County has agreed to a $1.1 million settlement with a woman, identified in court documents as Doe, who accused former sheriff’s sergeant Michael Reynolds of sexual misconduct, according to court records and reporting by Stocktonia. The settlement resolves a lawsuit alleging Reynolds sent sexually explicit images to Doe, including a video of him masturbating while in uniform in his patrol car, and made unwanted contact.
Reynolds “generally and specifically denies the allegations,” according to a previously filed court response. His attorney, David R. Norton, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The settlement comes as San Joaquin County faces increasing scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct involving its employees. In february, the county approved a $950,000 settlement with Kelly Gilbert, who accused former county chief investigator Gordon ogden of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Within local law enforcement,former Stockton police Sgt. Nicholas Bloed pleaded guilty in April to charges stemming from accusations of sexual assault and oral copulation while on duty. Bloed was sentenced to eight years in prison in June.
Another lawsuit filed in April by attorney Joshua H.Watson,representing both Doe and another plaintiff anonymized as Janet Roe,accuses Reynolds of sending sexually explicit images while in uniform and a patrol vehicle to Roe when she was 16. Watson declined to comment on the settlement, citing respect for his client’s privacy.
As of Friday, no criminal charges have been filed against Reynolds related to the alleged misconduct, and charging decisions rest with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office, according to California law.