William Martinez (HCSO) HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. - A Weeki Wachee Pastor is behind bars after being charged with sexually battering a teen family mem
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A Weeki Wachee Pastor is behind bars after being charged with sexually battering a teen family member who was visiting from out of state.
On Wednesday, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the out-of-state family member of a teenage female victim in reference to a sexual battery that had occurred a day prior at a residence in Brooksville.
The victim, who resides in New York and was visiting family in Hernando County, was brought to the sheriff’s office by a family member upon learning of the allegations.
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The victim told detectives she was home alone with the suspect, William Martinez, 55, when the incident occurred.
While alone with Martinez, the victim said Martinez offered her the frozen drink, which he had purchased a day prior at a local convenience store. The victim told detectives that the drink had a “funny” taste and said Martinez gave her a THC gummy.
Martinez began to sexually batter her by touching her inappropriately and forcing her to touch him. Following the sexual battery, the victim stated she went to her bedroom and slept.
Post Miranda, Martinez, a pastor at Kingdom of Hope Ministries in Weeki Wachee, denied all of the allegations made by the victim.
During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Brooksville, where forensic evidence was collected.
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Blood and urine tests submitted by the victim showed the presence of alcohol and THC.
Following questioning, Martinez was arrested on two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior of a Victim over 12 and less than 16 and two counts of Sexual Battery Familial/Custodial of a Victim over 12 and less than 16.
Martinez was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
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