A former Culver City employee has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child under the age of 14 — and possibly additional victims, police announced Thursday.
Police took Stephen Martinez, 43, of Los Angeles, into custody on July 16 and booked him into the Culver City Jail on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts with at least one minor.
The investigation began on July 7 after police were alerted to allegations of sexual abuse involving Martinez. Detectives from the Culver City Police Department immediately launched an investigation that led to his arrest nine days later.
Martinez was employed by the City of Culver City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department from June 2020 until June 2025, working as a Senior Recreation Leader where he was involved in youth programming at multiple city facilities and parks.
According to police, Martinez was terminated from his position with the city due to an unrelated matter prior to the report of the alleged abuse.
Both the PRCS Department and Culver City police are now working to notify parents and guardians whose children may have interacted with Martinez through city programming.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” officials said in a press release. “The Culver City Police Department is dedicated to protecting the safety and well-being of our community, especially its youngest members.”
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Investigations Lieutenant Ryan Thompson at 310-253-6302 or by email at [email protected].
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