Woman Claims Deputy Sexually Assaulted Her

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CN) - A woman says a Sangamon County Deputy sexually assaulted her while responding to her 911 call on New Year's Day, 2009.

In her federal complaint, the woman says she called 911 at 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2009 to ask police to check on her husband. She said he had been drinking all day and was in his car in their driveway with the doors locked, and she was concerned he might freeze to death.

After Deputy David Howse responded and determined that Jansen's husband was not in the car, he asked to check inside their home, the complaint states.

Once inside, the woman says Howse performed oral sex on her, forced her to perform oral sex on him, and had sexual intercourse with her. She says she was "obviously intoxicated and was incapable of giving knowing consent to a sexual act."

The complaint states: "In performing the sexual assault upon [her] as set forth herein, Deputy Howse was acting under color of state law. He gained access to [her] residence only because he requested access while wearing his uniform, badge and weapon and while purporting to be on official business. At all times during the sexual assault, Deputy Howse wore his uniform and badge and had his service weapon and radio on his person, and during the sexual assault, responded to an official radio call.

"Because Deputy Howse was armed with his service weapon and possessed the indicia of his official office, [the plaintiff] felt powerless to resist the sexual assault even if she had the capacity to give her consent."

In addition to Howse, she also sued Sangamon County and Sheriff Neil Williamson. She claims the Sheriff's Department under Williamson's tenure has developed a pattern of physically abusing citizens, having sex on the job and covering up their conduct.

She seeks damages for physical and mental pain and anguish. She is represented by John Myers with Rabin, Myers and Schuering.

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