Culver City Police Department
PRESS RELEASE
Jason Sims, Chief of Police
Arrest Made in Sexual Abuse Investigation Involving Former City Employee
Report Number: 25-3452
The Culver City Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a sexual abuse investigation involving a former employee of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department.
On July 7, 2025, Culver City Police were made aware of allegations involving suspected violations of 288 (a) PC (Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor Under the Age of 14). Police immediately launched an investigation. The suspect was arrested and booked at the Culver City Jail on July 16, 2025.
Forty-three-year-old Stephen Martinez of Los Angeles (See attached photo) was formerly employed as a Senior Recreation Leader with Culver City PRCS from June 8, 2020, to June 26, 2025, and worked in youth programming at various city facilities and park locations during that time. The suspect was terminated from his position with the city due to an unrelated matter prior to the report of this crime.
PRCS 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.
The Culver City Police Department is dedicated to protecting the safety and well-being of our community, especially its youngest members. Investigators are working to identify any potential additional victims. Anyone with relevant information about this case is encouraged to contact Investigations Lieutenant Ryan Thompson at (310) 253-6302 or via email at
[email protected].
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
For media inquiries regarding this case, please contact Culver City Police Department Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at (310) 253-6120 or email
[email protected].
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