In August, a Yavapai County jury found Jeremiah Ray Martin, 34, of Prescott, guilty of four counts of Molestation of a Child, one count of Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and one count of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
Martin’s victim was a family member.
According to the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, in January of 2018, the Department of Child Services (DCS) responded to a local elementary school after a teacher reported a young female child made a disturbing statement during class. After speaking with the child, DCS visited the child’s home and spoke to the child’s older sister, who was ten years old. DCS learned Martin had been molesting the older sister.
DCS immediately removed both girls from the home and the Prescott Police Department began an investigation that ultimately led to Martin’s trial on molestation and related charges.
During trial, the victim recounted the abuse for the jury.
“The victim displayed great courage during trial,” stated Deputy Yavapai County Attorney Kristen Sharifi after the trial. “No child should ever know what it feels like to be abused. The victim not only stood up for herself, but she protected her younger sister from future abuse. The victim is an amazing young woman, and her future is bright.”
Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane commended the jury for their careful consideration of this matter, and praised DCS and the Prescott Police Department for their thorough investigations
“No child should be abused, much less in their own home,” said McGrane. “I hope the lengthy sentences Mr. Martin is facing will deter others from preying on children. I especially commend the elementary school teacher for bringing her concerns to DCS. Her actions brought an end to this terrible situation, and our community should be very proud of the fact that our schools have teachers like her. I encourage anyone who suspects a child is being victimized, to speak up.”
Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2023. Martin is facing a minimum of sixty years in the Arizona State Prison.