Overview

• Pedro Martinez, a former elementary school janitor, spent nearly five years in jail after being wrongfully accused of child sexual abuse based on unsubstantiated claims.
• The allegations originated from a woman described as a self-confessed opioid addict with a history of fabricating similar accusations against others.
• No forensic evidence or credible testimony supported the charges, and three of the four alleged victims denied any abuse occurred.
• Martinez was acquitted of all charges in December 2023 but claims the ordeal caused irreparable damage to his reputation and emotional well-being.
• He has filed a federal lawsuit against San Bernardino County officials, alleging violations of his civil rights and systemic investigative failures.