PCSO: Polk County Deputy Resigns After Arrest for Domestic Violence Charges

Deputy Sheriff Anthony MartinezPhoto byPolk County Sheriffs Office

By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)

Publish Date: July 6th, 2024

Polk County, FL — A Polk County Sheriff's deputy has been arrested and resigned after an investigation uncovered multiple instances of domestic violence involving two former girlfriends. Deputy Sheriff Anthony Martinez was taken into custody on July 3, 2024, after disturbing allegations came to light.

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the investigation started when one of the victims bravely reached out to the Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2024, to report several incidents. As detectives dug deeper, they found another woman who had also been victimized by Martinez.

Incident Summary:

• June 8, 2023: Martinez slammed a drawer on Victim 1’s hand during an argument at their home, causing a minor injury.
• August 29, 2023: He allegedly pushed Victim 1 into a wall during a heated argument, making threatening remarks.
• November 2023: Martinez prevented Victim 2 from leaving their apartment during an argument, physically restraining her for about 20 minutes.
• March 26, 2024: He tried to forcefully take control of the vehicle Victim 2 was driving, creating a dangerous situation on Interstate 4.
• May 20, 2024: Martinez grabbed Victim 2’s backpack to stop her from leaving for work.
• June 21, 2024: During a confrontation about his behavior, Martinez brandished two firearms and made threats towards Victim 2.

When interviewed, Martinez admitted to some of the allegations, like grabbing the victim’s arm and leg to "protect her" and having firearms during the June 21 incident. He denied other accusations.

Based on the investigation, Martinez was arrested and taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center, where he resigned from his position. Martinez had been with the department for less than a year, having joined the PCSO in February 2023 and starting his training to become a deputy on July 24, 2023.

A Risk Protection Order was issued and served, and a check of Martinez’s record showed no prior convictions of battery.

“Real men should protect women, not harm them. 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,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.

Martinez faces serious charges, including:

• 6 counts of Domestic Violence Simple Battery
• 2 counts of Domestic Violence False Imprisonment
• 1 count of Culpable Negligence
• 3 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• 2 counts of Improper Exhibition of a Firearm

This case highlights the serious impact of domestic violence and the Polk County Sheriff's Office's commitment to justice, even when it involves one of their own.

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