Former Florida Cop Guilty Of Forcing Teens To Strip In Everglades

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — A former Florida police officer was found guilty by a jury Thursday of forcing two teenagers to strip naked and run down a secluded road in the Everglades after the officer found marijuana in their car three years ago.

Former Miccosukee police officer Michael Martinez was found guilty of two counts of extortion and two counts of unlawful compensation in connection with the incident that occurred after the teens ran a stop sign in the Everglades on Aug. 5, 2016.

The verdict was announced by Broward State Attorney Mike Satz.

"He said they would face jail if they did not strip naked and run down the road, according to evidence and testimony in the case," the state attorney's office said. "The victims, who
were both 18 at the time, testified that they felt they had no option but to do what he
said."

The state attorney's office said Martinez asked one of the teens, a young woman, to perform a sexual act.

Martinez was taken into custody in the courtroom immediately following the verdict.

The 30-year-old former officer faces a maximum sentence of 60 years in state prison. Preliminary sentencing guidelines in the case suggest a prison term of at least five years and nine months in state prison, according to prosecutors.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 25 before Broward Circuit Judge Tom Coleman, who presided over the trial.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Justin McCormack and Chris Killoran.