LOS ANGELES — A federal grand jury has indicted Stephen Michael Martinez, a former Culver City after-school recreation program employee, on three counts of producing and possessing child pornography. The 44-year-old Sawtelle resident is accused of coercing a 7-year-old girl into producing sexually explicit photos while employed by the Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.
Martinez has been in federal custody since July 23 without bond and awaits arraignment on August 29. The indictment reveals that Martinez, who worked as a caretaker from June 2020 to June 2025, coerced the young girl into producing the photos while at the program.
He was arrested on July 16 and booked on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor before being transferred to federal custody. If convicted on all counts, Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a statutory maximum of 30 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Culver City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mills and Kelsey A. Stimson are prosecuting the matter.
According to legal documents, Martinez’s actions have shocked both the community and law enforcement. ‘This type of abuse is intolerable,’ said a spokesperson for the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section.
Related Federal Cases
- Yuba City Man Joseph Wood Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge · California
- East Bay Aide Accused of Child Pornography · California
- Chico Man Gets 17.5 Years for Child Pornography · California
- Chico Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Transport · California
- West Sacramento Man Indicted for Receiving Child Pornography · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes