Ex-cop running for municipal judge

ESPANOLA, N.M. (KRQE) - He is an ex-cop accused of some seedy, illegal behavior while on the force, the state even stripped him of his right to be a cop, but now he is running for judge.

Jeff B. Martinez has not been charged with any crimes, but the allegations against him are serious, they stem from his time as a police officer.

In 2008 state police got a tip that Martinez, had a naked photo of a 15-year-old Espanola Valley High School student on his phone, Martinez was stationed at the school at the time.

“Mr. Martinez did agree to an interview and they did find what appeared to be some photos on cell phones and computers,” said State Police Lieutenant Robert McDonald.

The student was also interviewed; he reluctantly admitted to police that he did send the naked picture to Martinez after Martinez had asked him to.

“During the investigation we did find evidence of the crimes that have been stated,” McDonald said.

According to the state police report, Martinez admitted to them he had naked photos of ‘guys’ on his phone.

When asked if there were any other photos of kids on his phone, Martinez said there was a naked picture of an Espanola Valley High School student, but Martinez told police he thought the student was 18.

The boy in the photo was 17.

Investigators turned the case over to the district attorney’s office, nearly four years later, charges still have not been filed.

“All we can do is our investigation and again it is concluded at this time, so we’re leaving it up to the DA’s office at this point as to when they decide they have a case to move forward with charges,” said Lt. McDonald.

News 13 contacted the First Judicial District Attorney’s office to see what was taking so long.

The DA’s office would only say that the case is still under review.

News 13 tried contacting Mr. Martinez for our story many times but he never got back to us.

Martinez lost his law enforcement certification because pornography was found on his work computer at the Espanola Police Department.

Martinez currently works as a bailiff.