Corrections report delays Martinez sentencing

The sentencing hearing for former Monroe Police Department Sgt. Carlos Martinez has been continued until after the New Year due to the lack of a presentence investigation report, the documentation necessary for sentencing to proceed.

Martinez was back in a Snohomish County courtroom last week, as defense attorney Mark Mestel and Deputy Prosecutor Lisa Paul worked out a new date with Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Michael T. Downes. The Washington State Department of Corrections is tasked with the completion of the presentence investigation report, which provides the judge with information about the defendant's criminal history, financial situation and other court-required information.

The DOC anticipates having the PSI completed by Jan. 11, Paul said, and Downes agreed to reset the hearing to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.

Martinez was found guilty of sex crimes in November, after evidence showed he used his position as a police officer to cultivate a sexual relationship with a young female student, secretly videotaping her in various stages of undress for the purposes of sexual gratification. According to testimony by the victim, the abuse began when she was about 14 years old.

The jury made its verdict on Nov. 10, after 3 1/2 days of deliberation. Martinez was found guilty of voyeurism and possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Due to the statute of limitations, Martinez will only be sentenced on the depictions charge.