New Charges for Lawrence Court Officer Accused of Raping Inmate
A Lawrence court officer arraigned last week on charges of rape and indecent assault and battery was arrested again Tuesday night after allegedly attempting to destroy evidence, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
Lawrence District Court Officer Jose Martinez, 46, is alleged to have raped a shackled female inmate. He was released on $40,000 bail after his arraignment last Wednesday.
Martinez was arrested again after allegedly asking a fellow court officer on Monday morning to find and destroy a cell phone that held potentially incriminating photos and videos in the open case against him. He was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of witness intimidation in Lawrence District Court. He is being held on $100,000 cash bail and had his bail revoked for 90 days.
According to the DA’s office, the court officer found the phone, which was located on a shelf behind the judge’s bench in a courtroom, and then told another officer, who contacted police.
The Boston Globe reported last week that Martinez was placed on unpaid leave, and that the allegations against him may lead to changes in security policy at the courthouse.
Martinez is scheduled to appear in Lynn District Court for a probable cause hearing on March 23.
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