A former Culver City employee has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child under the age of 14, police announced Thursday.
Police on Wednesday arrested 43-year-old Stephen Martinez, who has previously worked in youth programming at various facilities and parks. Beginning in June 2020, Martinez served as a senior recreation leader for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Authorities said he was fired for an unrelated matter last month.
Culver City police were notified on July 7 of an allegation involving suspected lewd acts with a child under 14. Police immediately launched an investigation upon receiving the report, officials said Thursday.
Martinez was booked Wednesday at Culver City Jail.
“PRCS (Parks, Recreation and Community Services) and the Culver City Police Department are actively working to contact parents and guardians of children who may have come into contact with the suspect through city programming, both past and present,” Chief Jason Sims said in a Thursday press release.
The city said it will task an independent expert to review and recommend changes for Culver City’s background check, interview processes, safety protocols and training.
All employees for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services department undergo a background check and comprehensive interview, police said, and are trained on established safety protocols at the time of hire and every year.
Police urged community members with concerns about interactions between a child and Martinez to contact them at 310-253-6302 or email Ryan.Thompson@CulverCity.gov.
The investigation is active and ongoing.