Former police officer charged with sexual misconduct with a minor

SEATTLE -- The Snohomish County Prosecutor has filed charges against a former Monroe police officer for three felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.

After more than a year of investigation, authorities said that Carlos Martinez, 58, had a long-term sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl that spanned nearly 10 years. At the time, Martinez was a sergeant with the Monroe Police Department; he left the department in 2009.

The Washington State Patrol said that Martinez used his position as an officer to manipulate the girl into having the relationship. Investigators found evidence that Martinez had also photographed the girl without her knowledge.

The girl is now 24 years old.

Detectives began their investigation in March 2012 after they were alerted by an FBI task force who had arrested Martinez on unrelated charges in San Antoinio, Texas.

WSP believes that there may be other victims of Martinez' and ask them to contact detectives at 360-704-2400.