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Officer arrested for sexual assault


Alleged victim is 15-year-old UHS student

Kimberly Rubio

Assistant editor

Uvalde Police Department officer Laurance Anthony Martinez was arrested Thursday on charges of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old Uvalde High School student.

His employment with the city of Uvalde, which began in 2014 when he was hired as a police dispatcher, has been terminated.

Texas Rangers booked Martinez, who is 23 and in a relationship with an adult partner, into the Uvalde County Jail at approximately 2 p.m.

Martinez was released from the jail on Friday after posting a $250,000 surety bond. Martinez’s pre-trial release agreement includes sex offender conditions, including restrictions for internet usage and contact with minors.

According to the Uvalde Police Department, a criminal investigation began after the department received a tip from the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police department on Tuesday.

After hearing the allegations from UCISD, Uvalde police gathered the initial report at Uvalde High School.

Then, Uvalde Police Department Chief Daniel Rodriguez requested Texas Rangers take over the investigation because it involved a UPD officer.

“The Texas Rangers responded and assumed control over the investigation. The city of Uvalde and the Uvalde Police Department cooperated fully with the Texas Rangers,” read a press release issued by the police department.

“This is an ongoing investigation. Our district and Uvalde CISD police chief are working closely with Uvalde Police detectives and the Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers Office,” said Hal Harrell, UCISD interim superintendent.

“Student safety and welfare are of paramount importance in our district, and we will continue to provide a quality education to every student in a safe and secure learning environment.”

Martinez began his career with the police department in 2014 as a dispatcher. Upon obtaining a peace officer license in May of 2016, he was hired as a patrol officer. The city of Uvalde’s personnel policy allows employees to appeal terminations to the city manager’s office.

Sexual assault of a child is a second degree felony punishable by between two and 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. In the state of Texas, a child younger than 17 years of age can not give consent.

KRUBIO@ULNNOW.COM, 278-3335

Laurance Martinez

Laurance Martinez

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