EVERETT — A former Monroe police sergeant accused of grooming a young girl for a decade-long sexual relationship made a first court appearance Tuesday.
Carlos Martinez, 58, faces charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, third-degree child molestation and voyeurism, according to Everett District Court papers filed this week.
Prosecutors have until Aug. 30 to refile the charges in Snohomish County Superior Court. In district court on Tuesday, Martinez also was ordered not to have any contact with the young woman.
He and his attorney declined to comment after the hearing.
Washington State Patrol investigators allege that Martinez met the girl while working as a drug-education officer in Monroe schools. He allegedly cultivated a sexual relationship with her beginning when she was in the fifth grade. The relationship continued until the woman was in her 20s, and the pair lived together for a time in east Snohomish County and Texas.
Their relationship came under scrutiny after Texas investigators reportedly found pornographic videos and images in Martinez’ possession taken of the woman when she was under 18.
Snohomish County prosecutors say some of the videos were recorded without the young woman’s knowledge, including times when she was using the bathroom.
Martinez used his position as a police sergeant to manipulate the young woman and the people who should have been protecting her, deputy prosecutor Lisa Paul wrote in court papers filed Monday. The girl reportedly discussed her relationship with Martinez with a school counselor, who told a state social worker.
The social worker allegedly also was romantically involved with Martinez, documents show. She is no longer working for Child Protective Services, according to the agency.
“Carlos convinced everyone around him he was helping a young misguided child,” Paul wrote in court papers. “Instead he was having a sexual relationship with her.”
Martinez left the police department in 2009 because he was about to be fired after being accused of assaulting his former wife. Police Chief Tim Quenzer has said the department was unaware of the allegations involving the young girl until the State Patrol investigation began last year.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
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