Bradenton man faces up to life in prison on child abuse charges, records say
A Manatee County jury convicted a Bradenton man Wednesday of sexually abusing a child he helped care for over several years, returning guilty verdicts on four felony counts, court records show.
Jurors found Allan Martinez, 44, guilty of capital sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12, as well as additional sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation charges involving a child between 12 and 18, according to court records.
Following the verdict, Circuit Judge Teri Dees revoked Martinez’s bond, meaning he will remain in custody while awaiting sentencing. The court scheduled a follow-up hearing for March 24, court records show.
Under Florida law, Martinez faces up to life in prison for his convictions involving a child younger than 12. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
An attorney representing Martinez did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment.
Teenager reports Bradenton abuse case
The case began after a teenager disclosed in July 2023 that Martinez had sexually abused her for years, according to an arrest report. The victim told investigators Martinez had been in her life since she was about 7 years old and said the abuse began around that time.
During an interview with Manatee Children’s Services, the victim said the abuse started at her home in Bradenton while her mother worked nights as a bartender and Martinez watched the children, the report says. The victim told investigators Martinez repeatedly made her touch his genitals, pulling his pants down partway during the incidents.
According to the report, the victim said Martinez committed the acts on multiple occasions and attempted to distract her while doing so. Investigators wrote that Martinez used manipulation and threats involving the victim’s parents to prevent her from reporting the abuse.
Abuse by caretaker continued for years, victim says
The victim told investigators the abuse continued after her family moved to a new residence when she was about 9 or 10 years old. The report says the abuse occurred in the victim’s bedroom and in Martinez’s bedroom when her mother was not home and escalated over time, including inappropriate touching both over and under the victim’s clothing.
She said the abuse continued from about age 7 until she was 14, according to an arrest report.
The victim was 16 at the time of the interview and told investigators she waited to come forward because she was afraid of Martinez and worried about what he might do to her mother.
At the time the arrest report was written in August 2023, investigators said they were unable to reach Martinez and believed he may have left the area. Court records show he was arrested the following day.
