Former Lee County deputy arrested, charged with 3 counts of child abuse

Reporter: Taylor Wirtz
Published: Updated:

A former Lee County deputy is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested on multiple charges, including child abuse.

Zachary Martinson turned himself in at the Lee County Jail on Monday. Authorities said Martinson assaulted a woman he lived with and abused three children in the home.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the allegations against Martinson in late January. Detectives found evidence of battery on the woman and abuse of the children.

Tama Caldarone, a staff attorney for the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, emphasized the impact of witnessing violence on children.

“When they become a witness, then they also can hold the trauma inside of themselves,” said Caldarone.

The LCSO said Martinson also threatened violence in writing toward at least one of the victims.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he has since been fired from the sheriff’s office.

Caldarone highlighted the prevalence of domestic violence, stating, “No one’s immune from domestic violence. Doesn’t matter what socio-economic background you have or ethnicity.”

Martinson faces three counts of child abuse, one count of domestic violence battery, and one count of a written threat to kill or cause bodily injury.

The investigation remains active, and the LCSO described the situation as “a serious betrayal of the badge.”

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