Timothy Martinez, photo from DOJ
On May 3, Timothy Martinez was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn of all four counts of a superseding indictment charging him with attempted receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and two counts of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States District Judge Frederic Block. Martinez, 43, was employed as a police officer by the New York City Police Department, and immediately prior to his arrest, was on active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve. When sentenced, Martinez faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict.
“The jury found that the defendant not only violated the trust of the public that he was sworn to serve but specifically victimized vulnerable children for years. Instead of using his position as a member of the NYPD to protect children, he shamefully gained the trust of minors in order to sexually exploit them,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Protecting children from sexual exploitation will always be a priority of this Office. I commend the prosecutors and investigators for their outstanding work removing this predator from patrolling the streets and from our district.”
“When he swore his oath as a police officer, Timothy Martinez was entrusted to enforce the law and protect the innocent. Instead of upholding his oath, Martinez preyed on the young, turning innocent children into victims,” said HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “Our elation at this verdict is tempered by the pain and suffering these young victims endured as a result of this predator’s criminal actions. Those in positions of public trust are held to a higher standard as guardians of the innocent and HSI New York will continue to utilize every resource at our disposal to protect children from those who seek to do them harm.”
“Our police officers have a sworn duty to protect, but this defendant betrayed that oath and preyed upon some of the most at-risk members of our community,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “Such reprehensible behavior is wholly unacceptable of anyone, especially a member of law enforcement. I commend and thank Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York for their important work on this case.”
As proven at trial, between October 2016 and March 2017, Martinez engaged in live video sex chats with Jane Doe #1, who had been treated for a brain tumor, and he convinced her to perform sexual acts. Additionally, between September 3, 2012 and November 2016, the defendant engaged in live video sex chats with Jane Doe #2 and he similarly convinced her to show him her nude body and engage in sex acts even after she disclosed that she had been sexually abused by family members. Martinez also possessed hundreds of images of child pornography. In June 2018, the defendant attempted to receive numerous videos of child pornography from an individual he believed to be a minor.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
