Culver City, CA — A former Culver City employee, Stephen Martinez, 43, was arrested on July 16, 2025, for allegedly sexually abusing a child under the age of 14, authorities announced Thursday.
Martinez, a Los Angeles resident, was taken into custody and booked into the Culver City Jail on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts involving at least one minor. The Culver City Police Department launched an investigation on July 7 after receiving a report of sexual abuse, which ultimately led to Martinez’s arrest nine days later.
Martinez was employed by the City of Culver City’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Department from June 2020 to June 2025. During his tenure, he worked as a senior recreation leader and was heavily involved in youth programming at city-run parks and facilities.
According to authorities, Martinez had already been terminated from his city position due to an unrelated issue prior to the abuse allegations surfacing.
The PRCS Department, along with Culver City Police, is now contacting parents and guardians of children who may have come into contact with Martinez through city programs.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” police stated in a press release. “The Culver City Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community, especially its youngest members.”
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Culver City Police investigators.
