In San Diego Superior Court, the trial began Wednesday for a San Diego County Sheriff's detective accused of sexually assaulting a prostitute while under the color of authority.
In February 2008, prosecutors say Thomas John Sadler told the woman "B**ch I can do anything I f**king want". In a 911 call revealed in court, the victim claimed Sadler forced her into his unmarked sheriff's vehicle on El Cajon Boulevard and drove her to a parking lot in Mission Valley.
The victim said Sadler told her to take her clothes off so he could search her for narcotics. But the victim said she told Sadler a female officer needed to be present. The woman then said Sadler began fondling her, so she jumped out of the vehicle to take a picture of his license plate with her cell phone. Sadler allegedly struggled to grab the phone, but another car drove up and Sadler took off.
Defense attorneys said Sadler did pick up the woman for sex because he was deeply depressed after being sued by another woman who claimed he groped her. But they say Sadler lost his nerve when they got to Mission Valley.
Trial resumes Thursday, with more witness testimony. If convicted, Sadler faces up to eight years in prison.
