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| Maurice Martinez |
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09/19/2011
By Jesse Wells
OKLAHOMA CITY -- A former Oklahoma City police sergeant accused of sexually abusing some of his former foster children could soon walk out of jail. Monday morning an Oklahoma County judge agreed to set a bond of $175,000 for Maurice Martinez.
The judge agreed to set a bond in part because 23 of the 37 criminal charges against Martinez have been dropped.
Even with bond, Martinez will be kept under close supervision until trial.
After court, we asked Martinez if he was pleased with the judge's decision.
"I wish the bond was lower, but sure," Martinez responded.
Before granting Martinez the $175,000 conditional release, the judge heard evidence that several alleged victims, including the initial accuser, would all come to court and testify the alleged sexual abuse by Martinez didn't happen.
"We believe the judge treated us fairly. We think Martinez should've never been held without a bond," Martinez's attorney David Slane said. "All the children are saying it's not true."
All except Shadow Blessing, the former foster son of Martinez who claimed he witnessed some of the sex crimes.
The defense has repeatedly claimed Blessing has a reputation for dishonesty and lying.
"We're asking people to just withhold judgement. We believe many more of these charges will be dismissed in time," Slane said.
As part of his bond, Martinez will have to live at his parents' home in Oklahoma City, wear a GPS ankle monitor at all times and have no contact with the alleged victims.
Still, his attorneys call the bond agreement a clear victory.
"While he may be under house arrest, at least he won't be in the county jail," Slane said.
Prosecutors claim Martinez has a history of tampering with witnesses and evidence in this case.
The D.A. asked that a much higher bond be set, but didn't want to talk about the judge's decision on camera.
Martinez still faces 14 criminal counts.
No trial date has yet been set.
