Published October 31, 2009 05:13 pm - ANDERSON — A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by an Anderson police officer has filed a tort claim complaint against the City of Anderson claiming she suffered severe injuries including emotional distress.
Woman files tort claim against city
By Christina M. Wright, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by an Anderson police officer has filed a tort claim complaint against the City of Anderson claiming she suffered severe injuries including emotional distress.
The tort claim, dated Oct. 19, was sent to the city by Noblesville law firm Holt, Fleck & Romine. The claim was signed by Holt.
According to the complaint, Anderson Police Department officer John Baysinger gave a woman a ride to her boyfriend’s home after the boyfriend’s arrest in mid-July. According to the complaint, Baysinger followed the woman into the home and attempted to have sexual intercourse with her, but she refused. In the complaint, the woman says Baysinger then sexually assaulted her.
The woman subsequently went to Saint John’s Medical Center, where she was examined and treated for injuries. The complaint doesn’t mention what those injuries were.
The complaint did say the woman’s damages were undetermined, but they will include, but not be limited to, medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering and lost wages.
Holt was not available for comment.
Due to the nature of the case, The Herald Bulletin is not printing the woman’s name.
In September, Madison County Prosecutor Thomas Broderick, Jr. said he agreed with Indiana State Police “that there was insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution” in the alleged incident. Broderick was not available for comment Friday.
According to APD spokesman Mitch Carroll, Baysinger was suspended without pay for 100 hours beginning Sept. 13.
Holt requested the city notify him in writing concerning approval or denial of the claim within 90 days.
Contact Christina M. Wright, 640-4883, christina.wright@heraldbulletin.com.
--------
BREAKOUT
What is a tort claim?
A tort is a civil wrong.