Authorities say a Polk County officer was taken into custody on Wednesday after an investigation revealed allegations of domestic abuse against two women he had dated in the past.
According to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, former deputy Anthony Martinez faces charges including six counts of domestic violence (DV) simple battery, two counts of DV false imprisonment, one count of culpable negligence, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of improper exhibition of a firearm.
Martinez is accused of the following offenses, according to the sheriff’s office:
- On June 8, 2023, the victim reported that Martinez had slightly injured her hand when he slammed a drawer during a fight at their home. (First Victim)
- August 29, 2023: Martinez is accused of making threatening words and pushing the victim against a wall during a fight. (First Victim)
- November 2023: The victim said that Martinez physically restrained her for around 20 minutes during an altercation and stopped her from leaving their residence. (Victim 2)
- On March 26, 2024, Martinez made an effort to seize possession of the victim’s car by force, endangering traffic on Interstate 4. (Victim 2)
- May 20, 2024: Martinez took hold of the victim’s backpack, to stop her from going to work.(Victim 2)
- June 21, 2024: Martinez threatened people and flashed two firearms during an altercation about his actions.(Victim 2).
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Martinez was taken into custody following his admission to being involved in multiple domestic violence incidents, including grasping the victim’s arm and having firearms on him on June 21, according to authorities. When he got to the processing center, he allegedly tendered his resignation.
Martinez had been a deputy sheriff for less than a year when he was employed by the sheriff’s office in February 2023, according to the release.
“Real men should protect women, not harm them,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “Mr. Martinez obviously has some anger management issues. We have arrested him and he has resigned. Had he not resigned, he would have been fired. He has lost his ability to be a law enforcement officer.”
