Grants Police Arrest Man on Multiple Charges Including Statutory Rape

GRANTS, NM — A 20-year-old man, Tyrell June Martinez, was arrested on multiple charges including the alleged rape of a five-year-old, and weapons violations on Tuesday afternoon near Jefferson Avenue in Grants, New Mexico.

According to records obtained from Grants Police Department, officers were dispatched to Jefferson Avenue following a report that Martinez had assaulted a young child. The call, received at approximately 2:16 PM, indicated Martinez might be intoxicated and in possession of a firearm. He was located by police in a GMC Yukon parked in the driveway of the reported address.

Upon arrival, officers identified Martinez sitting in the vehicle with the headlights on.

After confirming his identity, Martinez was asked to step out and was detained. A search revealed a .22 caliber Ruger pistol and two magazines hidden under his clothing. The firearm was secured, and Martinez was informed of an active warrant for his arrest issued by the Municipal Court.

The mother of the victim reported to officers that her five-year-old daughter had been molested by Martinez. According to the mother, her son had called her asking for him and his sister to be picked up from Martinez's location. Upon her return, her daughter revealed the assault after some hesitation, which involved inappropriate contact by Martinez.

Martinez faces charges of criminal sexual penetration, described as statutory rape, along with two counts of weapon law violations for unlawful carrying and negligent use of a deadly weapon. He was also booked on a local warrant for unrelated charges.

Martinez faces three charges: 1. Criminal Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (Child Under 13) 2. Unlawful Carrying of a Deadly Weapon 3. Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (Intoxication) Martinez is represented by attorney Richard Benjamin Pugh, while the State of New Mexico is represented by the 13th Judicial District Attorney's office.

Following his arrest, Martinez was transported to the Grants Police Department for booking and was later moved to the Core Civic facility in Milan for incarceration. The seized firearm was processed and placed into a firearms evidence box.

Martinez's preliminary examination is scheduled for April 30, 2024, at 8:30 AM at the Cibola County Magistrate Court, with Judge Mace overseeing the proceedings. This follows his first appearance before Judge Johnny Valdez on April 3, 2024.