Former CIA Officer Accused of Subjecting CIA Hopeful to Coerced Sexual "Training"
Ex-spy Shaun Wiggins allegedly assaulted a woman repeatedly, claiming it was part of a covert program to train her to use her body "as a weapon."
Shaun Wiggins, a former CIA officer and CEO of Soteryx, an Upstate New York data analytics consulting firm, is facing shocking allegations of sexual abuse in a bombshell lawsuit. According to the complaint, Wiggins purportedly deceived an aspiring covert operative, identified as "Jane Doe," into participating in a pseudo-official recruitment program for prospective spies. He coerced her into engaging in sexual acts, claiming it was essential training to use her body as a tool of espionage.
Jane Doe believed that the activities were designed to replicate the "off-limits" tasks performed by CIA officers and that the techniques she learned would enhance her technical skills. However, instead of helping her pursue her dream career, the prolonged sexual abuse traumatized her, ultimately leading her to seek treatment at a psychiatric facility.
The 58-page lawsuit presents a disturbing array of accusations against Wiggins. The lawsuit claims that he utilized his position of authority and power to subject Jane Doe to repeated sexual assaults, disguising it as a legitimate CIA recruitment process. The alleged abuse left her in dire financial straits as Wiggins frequently withheld her pay, demanding further "training exercises" as a condition for compensation. Even in times of financial distress, Wiggins would leave money for her in a designated spot outside the Soteryx offices.
The complaint contends that Wiggins manipulated and groomed Jane Doe under the pretense of genuine CIA recruitment. However, the supposed training exercises were part of a scheme to exploit her for his own sexual gratification. The lawsuit was filed under New York State's Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims of sexual assault a one-year "lookback window" to pursue legal action even if the statute of limitations has expired. The window is set to close in November 2023.
Wiggins and Soteryx have yet to respond to the multiple requests for comment regarding the allegations.
The disturbing allegations against Wiggins trace back to August 2017 when Jane Doe was hired by Soteryx. She reported directly to Wiggins, who convinced her that her work at the company, along with his connections, would prepare her for a future career with the CIA. She believed that the position required her trust in Wiggins and that it would expose her to unique situations beyond the standard office job.
Jane Doe's ambition was to join the CIA, and she saw Soteryx as an ideal stepping stone. Wiggins gained her trust, establishing a sense of control over her. He separated her from others, insisting that all communication be conducted privately through WhatsApp. Wiggins demanded that she be available at all times, emphasizing that she was an "agent in waiting."
The complaint details the transformation of Jane Doe's interactions with Wiggins, which gradually shifted from professional to coercive and abusive. Wiggins claimed that sexual relationships among case officers were common during missions, further blurring the line between genuine CIA operations and the exploitation of Jane Doe.
Over the course of 18 months, Jane Doe endured multiple assaults by Wiggins, all while believing it was part of her training to become a superior officer. The abuse left her financially burdened, struggling to make ends meet due to withheld pay and the inability to seek additional employment that might interfere with the "training exercises."
Jane Doe eventually mustered the courage to reject Wiggins' advances and quit Soteryx in late October 2018. However, she continued to face emotional distress and sought assistance from various law enforcement agencies to explore legal options. It wasn't until 2021 that she shared her story with a sympathetic coworker, who identified the abuse as rape. This revelation prompted her to pursue legal action against Wiggins and Soteryx.
The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress, gender discrimination, and sexual harassment. Jane Doe, who has already experienced significant psychological harm, wishes to remain anonymous, citing the impact on her personal and professional life.
Wiggins and Soteryx have yet to respond formally to the allegations.