Raton Man Pleads Guilty to Brick-Assault on USPS Carrier

ALBUQUERQUE – A brutal assault in Colfax County has landed Cody Martinez, 30, of Raton, N.M., in federal hot water. Martinez pled guilty last week to assaulting a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier with a brick, an act that led to serious injuries for the victim.

The event unfolded on Jan. 20, 2016, when Martinez struck the USPS carrier in the back of the head with a brick during mail delivery. Law enforcement caught up with Martinez quickly, apprehending him as he tried to make a getaway. The attack left the postal worker with serious injuries that have yet to heal.

Martinez was indicted on Feb. 24, 2016, for assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury. He later admitted his guilt during a Nov. 4, 2016, hearing and is now facing a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is still pending.

Originally, Martinez faced local charges by the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office but those were dismissed to allow for federal prosecution. This grim case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Raton Police Department, with legal backing from Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez.

As of now, Martinez remains in custody, his life on hold until a judge decides his fate. His actions have not only marred his own record but also cast a somber shadow over postal workers across New Mexico.

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