Polk’s deputy arrested for previous domestic violence cases, resigned after arrest

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into a domestic violence case involving Deputy Sheriff Anthony Martinez and two women he previously dated.

One of the victims contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on July 3 and reported several incidents.

As the investigation continued, investigators discovered that there was another female victim.

Summary of the incident:

• June 8, 2023: The victim reported that Martinez hit her in the hand with a drawer during an argument in her apartment, causing a minor injury. (Victim 1)
• August 29, 2023: Martinez allegedly pushed the victim against a wall during an argument and made threats. (Victim 1)
• November 2023: The victim reported that during an argument, Martinez prevented her from leaving the apartment and physically restrained her for approximately 20 minutes. (Victim 2)
• March 26, 2024: Martinez attempted to violently take control of the vehicle driven by the victim, creating a dangerous situation on Interstate 4. (Victim 2)
• May 20, 2024: Martinez grabbed the victim’s backpack to prevent her from going to work. (Victim 2)
• June 21, 2024: During an argument about Martinez’s behavior, he pulled out two firearms and made threats. (Victim 2)

Martinez was questioned and admitted to several of the allegations, including that he grabbed the victim’s arm and leg to “protect” her and that he possessed firearms during the June 21 incident. He denied other allegations.

As a result of the investigation, Martinez was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

Martinez resigned immediately after arriving at the processing center.

Martinez has been a deputy sheriff for less than a year. He was hired by PCSO in February 2023 and began the deputy training program.

“Real men are supposed to protect women, not harm them. Mr. Martinez obviously has anger management issues. We arrested him and he resigned. If he hadn’t resigned, he would have been fired. He has lost his ability to be a law enforcement officer,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.

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

A review of Martinez’s record revealed no previous convictions for assault.

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