Polk County deputy resigns following arrest on domestic violence charges: PCSO

Garrett Phillips
·2 min read
Polk County deputy resigns following arrest on domestic violence charges: PCSO

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A former deputy has resigned after being arrested and charged with domestic violence, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

On July 3, Polk detectives began investigating Anthony Martinez, who has served as a deputy sheriff since July 24, 2023.

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The investigation began after a former girlfriend of Martinez contacted the sheriff’s office to report several domestic violence incidents. A second victim was identified during the investigation.

The sheriff’s office said the following incidents took place between Martinez and the two victims:

  • June 8, 2023: Victim 1 reported Martinez slammed a drawer on her hand during an altercation at their residence, resulting in a minor injury.

  • August 29, 2023: Martinez allegedly pushed Victim 1 into a wall during an argument, making threatening remarks.

  • November 2023: Victim 2 reported Martinez prevented her from leaving their apartment during an argument, physically restraining her for approximately 20 minutes.

  • March 26, 2024: Martinez attempted to 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 prevent her from leaving for work.

  • June 21, 2024: During a confrontation over Martinez’s behavior, he brandished two firearms and made threats to Victim 2.

During an interview, Martinez admitted to several allegations, including grabbing the victim to “protect her” and possessing firearms during the June 21 altercation, Polk County detectives said.

Martinez denied other allegations. He was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

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

Martinez faces six charges of domestic violence simple battery, two charges of false imprisonment, one charge of culpable negligence, three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two charges of improper exhibition of a firearm.

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