South Texas woman claims police offered taco after sexual assault



Take a look at the Texas colleges with the most reported rapes. A south Texas woman alleges she was sexually assaulted by a former La Joya police officer after she was arrested.

Take a look at the Texas colleges with the most reported rapes. A south Texas woman alleges she was sexually assaulted by a former La Joya police officer after she was arrested. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close South Texas woman claims police offered taco after sexual assault 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

A south Texas woman alleges she was sexually assaulted by a former La Joya police officer after she was arrested, according to media reports and court documents.

The woman, identified as Autumn Renee according to the lawsuit posted by Buzzfeed, was arrested May 29, 2014, for a misdemeanor probation violation and booked into the La Joya City Jail.

The lawsuit, filed May 27 in U.S. District Court in McAllen, states that Felipe Santiago Peralez, then-communications officer for the La Joya City Police Department, conducted an "all-night invasion of plaintiff's body."

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Peralez inserted his fingers and hands into Renee's private areas, according to the lawsuit. It also states he forced her to perform oral sex on him.

Renee suffered injury to her private areas and that she was, "in staunch fear of further brutal, sadistic and invasive acts causing severe bruises, scratches, irritation and soreness... for repeated hours."

The lawsuit calls Peralez's actions "malicious and (a) sadistic use of force."

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La Joya police Lt. Ramon Gonzalez reviewed the video recording on May 30, 2014, and "obtained (Renee's) statement, offered her a taco, declined her request for medical attention" the lawsuit reads.

According to the lawsuit, La Joya Police Officer Nancy Venecia knew about the assault the same day Gonzaelz reviewed the video recording but did not request that Renee be transported to an emergency room for examination.

Buzzfeed reports Peralez resigned after being suspended from the police department May 30, 2014.

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Renee's lawyer, Tammy Peden of Houston, cited the incident as a violation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act passed by U.S. Congress in 2003, which establishes a zero tolerance for rape and sexual assault. The lawsuit also highlights violations of the Eighth Amendment, which forbids "cruel and unusual punishment" and "prohibits excessive use of force and guard brutality."

In addition to Peralez, Venecia and Gonzelz, the lawsuit is filed against the City of La Joya and the City of Penitas as she was originally arrested by the Penitas Police Department. The lawsuit states Penitas police conducted the follow-up investigation to the alleged sexual assault and failed to act against La Joya officers involved in the incident.

Renee is seeking $5 million in damages and emotional distress.