Former Prison Staffer Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Two Inmates

PHOENIX—Jose Arnulfo Martinez, aka “Joe” Martinez, 49, of Phoenix, was found guilty by a federal jury on Tuesday of six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake from May 21, 2013 until May 28, 2013. Sentencing is set before Judge Wake on Aug. 26, 2013.

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo said, “Federal prison inmates have a right to serve their court ordered sentences without having to endure sexual abuse by anyone and especially not at the hands of those who are entrusted with their care. The Justice Department will hold accountable all prison staff who abuse their power and the public trust. We thank our partners at the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons who join with us in this effort.”

During all relevant times, Martinez worked for the Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Correctional Institution-Phoenix, where he supervised federal inmates. The evidence at trial showed that in 2008, Martinez sexually abused an inmate on three different occasions. The evidence further showed that in 2010, Martinez sexually abused another inmate on three occasions.

Each conviction for sexual abuse of a ward carries a maximum penalty of 15 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Investigations Department of the Federal Correctional Institution-Phoenix. The prosecution was handled by Alison S. Bachus, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.