San Diego settles lawsuit over officer sexual misconduct for $795,000

The San Diego City Council has agreed to pay $795,000 to settle a lawsuit by a woman who was sexually assaulted by a former police officer while he was on duty.

The settlement, announced in federal court Friday, brings to $2.3 million the payments made to settle suits brought by women who were assaulted by Anthony Arevalos. At least one lawsuit is still pending.

Arevalos, 42, was convicted last year of stopping seven woman for traffic offenses and then demanding sexual favors. He was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison.

“This settlement resolves the lawsuit which contained some of the most egregious allegations filed against Mr. Arevalos and brings us one step closer to closing a sad and unfortunate chapter for the city of San Diego,” said Assistant City Atty. Paul Cooper.

In court documents, the victim was named as Jane Roe. The settlement was approved by the City Council.

Arevalos, a veteran traffic officer, was fired from the Police Department after the criminal charges were filed. As required by state law, the city paid his legal expenses during his trial, officials said.

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tony.perry@latimes.com