CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Another lawsuit has been filed against the Horry County Police Department.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday by “Jane Doe-2” against Horry County, Horry County Police Department and Troy Allen Large.
According to the lawsuit, the woman was raped in May of 2015, two Horry County police officers responded to the scene and no arrests were made. Several days after reporting the rape, the lawsuit claims former Senior Detective Allen Large contacted the victim and said he would like to meet with her alone. The victim says during that encounter, Large told her she was “beautiful” and he could understand how the suspect “could be turned on by her and unable to resist himself.”CLICK HERE to read the entire lawsuit.
The victim says she was never told her case was closed, but was told by Large that it was “not really going anywhere” and said he could assist her in other ways.
The lawsuit states Large offered to help her gain full custody of her children, to move her into a condominium in Murrell’s Inlet, and to give her a mode of transportation.
In exchange for his help, the victim claims Large demanded she engage in a nude “catfight” against a female because there were men in the area who liked to watch women participate in nude, videotaped fist-fights. If the victim refused to participate, the lawsuit states Large threatened to take personal action to be sure she would not be allowed to visit her children.
According to the victim, Large continued to engage in a course of coercive and threatening behavior and unwanted sexual advances, including propositions that she participate in “catfights”with other local women including other victims of violent crimes.
To that, the victim’s attorney, James B. Moore, said: “”It is reprehensible that a police officer, who is sworn to protect and serve the citizens of our community, would use his power to prey on the most vulnerable of all people, victims of sexual assault and rape. I applaud our client for making a formal complaint and shedding light on these injustices. That takes an incredible amount of courage and valor.”
The lawsuit states during these times, Large used his Horry County issued police vehicle and visually displayed his Horry County Police Department badge and police issued firearm. It says on one occasion while in the victim’s home, Large was videotaped engaging in inappropriate conduct and the videotaped encounter was provided to former Detective Large’s supervisor, Sgt. Thomas DelPercio of the Major Crimes Unit. According to the lawsuit, Large’s activities were investigated and he was received a written reprimand and a referral to EAP counseling.
According to the lawsuit, Large also sexually assaulted the victim inside of an Horry County issued vehicle.
News 13 spoke to Large, and he denied the allegations.
“I have always worked hard at helping everyone I come in contact with and have never used my position to get others to do things for me or have I had any sexual relations with any witnesses, victims, suspects, and defendants,” said Large
The lawsuit claims the Horry County Police Department knew about Large’s inappropriate behavior and that other victims had reported his conduct prior to May of 2015, and the Plaintiff, “Jane Doe-2”, is claiming personal injury.
We received the following statement from County spokesperson Lisa Bourcier: “In checking with the County Attorney’s Office regarding the lawsuit you mentioned, Horry County has not yet been served. Once Horry County has been served, we will respond in due course. It is County policy not to provide any commentary on matters relating to pending litigation.”
SLED continues to investigate several officers in the department and many cases originally investigated by Large have been re-opened.
Scott Evans is also an attorney in cases against the Horry County Police Department.
“While we have learned the unfortunate details regarding what happened to our clients, it will be up to the Attorney General’s Office to fill the public in on just how something like this was allowed to take place within the police force for one of the most well-funded counties in our state. Unfortunately, I have reason to believe other victims will step forward before this investigation is over, ” said Evans.
Thursday afternoon Horry County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus released the following statement:
“With the recent news surrounding the Horry County Police Department regarding current lawsuits SLED investigation and retirement of leadership, I want to reassure the public that we are committed to providing quality law enforcement to our citizens and visitors.The county is in full cooperation with SLED and assisting them with the information they need to fully investigate any potential wrongdoings. While we are going through some highly unusual circumstances, we don’t want this to overshadow the many honorable men and women in the Horry County Police Department who are true heroes in our community and who put their lives in danger every day to protect us.As Chairman, I can tell you that Horry County Council is committed to serving the great people of this community, and we ask for your patience and support as we continue to move forward.”
This is the third lawsuit filed against the Horry County Police Department in the last five months. This is the first lawsuit to directly list former Senior Detective Troy Allen Large as a defendant.
