Bradenton Serial Flasher Arrested, Sheriff Says

BRADENTON, FL — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a 20-year-old man in connection with three recent flashing cases reported by women in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. The man’s alleged spree began in January and ended with his arrest over the weekend.

According to the sheriff’s office, the case against Jacob Martinez began to build on Jan. 24 in the 4500 block of 53rd Avenue East. Martinez is accused of driving up to a 29-year-old woman in the parking lot in his blue Volkswagen Jetta. Once his vehicle was near the woman, deputies say Martinez exposed himself to the woman.

The second case unfolded on Feb. 16 while a 49-year-old woman was jogging on River Club Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch. In that case, Martinez is also accused of pulling his vehicle close to the woman before exposing himself, a Monday evening email from the sheriff’s office said.

The third incident also involved similar situation. In that case, a 28-year-old female jogger was approached on Feb. 22 on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

The sheriff’s office said its detectives identified Martinez as a suspect in the case and obtained warrants for his arrest on March 3. He turned himself into authorities on March 4, and bonded out of the Manatee County Jail on the same day. Martinez was charged with three counts of exposure of sexual organs. His arrest was announced March 6.

Deputies say there could be more victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011.

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Booking photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office