Polk County deputy arrested for previous domestic violence cases

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Polk County officer has been arrested on multiple charges in connection with previous domestic violence cases.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) said it launched an investigation into a domestic violence case involving Anthony Martinez and two women he previously dated on July 3.

One of the victims contacted PCSO to report multiple incidents, after which detectives discovered there was another victim.

Martinez is alleged to have abused the women on several occasions. Among other things, he slammed a victim’s hand into a drawer, pushed one of the victims against a wall, forcibly took control of one of the victims’ vehicles while she was driving, and pulled out a firearm while threatening them.

Martinez admitted to several of the allegations, including grabbing the victim’s arm and leg to “protect” him and being in possession of a firearm. He denied other allegations.

Martinez was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center, where he resigned from his position as deputy immediately upon arrival.

Martinez was charged with six counts of simple domestic assault, two counts of domestic battery, one count of involuntary manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of improper display of a firearm.