Press Release  Lawrence Court Officer Arraigned on Intimidation Charge

Lawrence, Massachusetts — Lawrence District Court Officer Jose Martinez, 46, was arraigned this morning on a witness intimidation charge in Lawrence District Court. Norfolk County District Court Judge Richard Savignano granted the Commonwealth’s request to hold him on $100,000 cash bail and revoke his bail in an open rape case for 90 days.  He was also ordered to turn over his passport and wear a GPS monitoring device in the event he posts bail following the 90 days.

Mr. Martinez was released on $40,000 bail following his arraignment on rape and indecent assault and battery charges last Wednesday.

In her bail argument, Essex Assistant District Attorney Ashlee Logan told the court that the defendant allegedly contacted a fellow court officer on the morning of March 9th and asked him to locate and destroy a cell phone that contained potentially incriminating photos and videos.  The court officer found the phone on a shelf behind the Judge’s bench in Courtroom 1 in Lawrence District Court and notified another court officer, who notified police. 

The defendant was represented by Attorney Ben Duggan for arraignment only and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He is scheduled to appear on March 23, 2015 for a Probable Cause Hearing in Lynn District Court.

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