SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A former substitute teacher was arrested in an undercover sting operation aimed at identifying sexual predators, according to the Santa Fe Police Department.
32-year-old Patrick Martinez was taken into custody after communicating online with an undercover detective posing as a 12-year-old. Investigators say Martinez expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the fictitious child and was arrested when he arrived at a Santa Fe apartment to meet the minor.
Martinez was charged with child solicitation by electronic communication (child under 13) and attempted aggravated criminal sexual penetration of a minor. He was booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center and later released on personal recognizance, court records indicate.
Police revealed that Martinez had previously worked as a substitute teacher at a private school in the Santa Fe area and volunteered as a swim instructor for a local business. Authorities noted he was no longer employed in either role at the time of his arrest.
His criminal history includes prior arrests for battery on a peace officer and resisting or obstructing law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
