POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County deputy was arrested Wednesday following an investigation accusing him of domestic violence against two women he had previously dated, according to authorities.
Former deputy Anthony Martinez has been charged with six counts of domestic violence (DV) simple battery, two counts of DV false imprisonment, one count of culpable negligence, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of improper exhibition of a firearm, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
The allegations against Martinez are as follows, according to the sheriff's office:
- June 8, 2023: Victim reported that Martinez slammed a drawer on her hand during an altercation at their residence, causing a minor injury. (Victim 1)
- August 29, 2023: Martinez allegedly pushed the victim into a wall during an argument, making threatening remarks. (Victim 1)
- November 2023: Victim reported that Martinez prevented her from leaving their apartment during an argument, physically restraining her for approximately 20 minutes. (Victim 2)
- March 26, 2024: Martinez attempted to forcefully take control of the vehicle the victim was driving, creating a dangerous situation on Interstate 4. (Victim 2)
- May 20, 2024: Martinez grabbed the victim’s backpack to prevent her from leaving for work. (Victim 2)
- June 21, 2024: During a confrontation over Martinez’s behavior, he brandished two firearms and made threats. (Victim 2)
Martinez was arrested after admitting to several of the domestic violence allegations against him, including grabbing the woman's arm and possessing weapons during the June 21 incident, deputies said. He reportedly resigned upon arrival at the processing center.
Martinez was hired by the sheriff's office in February 2023 and had been a deputy sheriff for less than a year, according to the release.
“Real men should protect women, not harm them," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated in the release. "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.”
