California Janitor Sues After Wrongful 5-Year Imprisonment for Fabricated Child Abuse Charges

Pedro Martinez claims law enforcement relied on baseless accusations from an unreliable source, leading to his incarceration and eventual acquittal.

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.