Pinal County detention sergeant arrested

On Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, Detention Sergeant Amado Martinez, an employee of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility in Florence, was arrested by investigators of the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.

Utilizing the checks and balances system put in place by Sheriff Chris Vasquez over all financial operations at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, a staff employee at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center discovered the potential of the alleged theft of inmate monies by Sgt. Martinez.

Due to the nature and severity of the complaint and allegations made by the employee, Sheriff Vasquez contacted the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and requested that they conduct a thorough criminal investigation into the possible theft of monies.

As a result of the investigation, Martinez was indicted on 18 charges, which include forgery, theft and identity theft. Martinez was arrested and booked by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.

Martinez was initially booked into the Pinal County Detention Facility with a $100,000 secured bond. He has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of an administrative investigation.

Submitted photo