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Former School Janitor Acquitted of Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Pedro Martinez, who spent nearly five years in jail, was found not guilty on all counts, with his defense criticizing law enforcement's handling of the case.

Overview

  • Pedro Martinez, a former Southern California elementary school janitor, has been acquitted of all charges related to child sexual abuse.
  • Martinez had been in jail since January 2019 and was found not guilty on all 10 counts against him, with an 11th charge dismissed during his trial.
  • His defense team criticized the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Department for mishandling the case, alleging there was no legitimate evidence against Martinez.
  • Martinez was arrested after a woman, a friend of one student's family, claimed he had been molesting 6-year-old boys at Maple Elementary School in Hesperia.
  • Further investigation, including DNA testing and interviews with school employees, failed to connect Martinez to any crimes on campus.