Theft Charge Filed Against Former Washington Co. Local TV Director

Dec 23

Charges are filed accusing a former local TV executive director for diverting more than $35,000 in funds for personal purchases.

According to the criminal complaint, Mark Eric Martinez, 58, of Grant, is charged with one felony count of theft for diverting corporate property.

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Prosecutors allege the conduct occurred shortly after Martinez stopped serving as the executive director of the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission, a role he held from January 2017 through the end of 2023.

Investigators say concerns surfaced after the organization’s new interim executive director reported suspected financial irregularities to Cottage Grove police in July 2024. During follow-up meetings, officials reviewed credit card activity tied to an account Martinez opened during his tenure. The card was intended for organizational use and governed by written policies requiring documentation for all purchases and written approval for expenses exceeding specific thresholds.

Authorities allege that although Martinez turned in the physical credit card when he left his position, the account itself could not be closed because he was the sole account holder. A subsequent internal review found that numerous purchases charged to the account were not related to organizational business but were nonetheless paid at the end of each billing cycle.

Search warrants were executed in July 2024 at several businesses where purchases had been made. Investigators say those records showed Martinez charged a total of $35,166.50 for items that had no legitimate use for the telecommunications commission.

The investigation also examined physical property allegedly retained after Martinez left his role. In October 2024, the interim executive director provided law enforcement with a list of items believed to be in Martinez’s home office that belonged to the commission. Authorities say some items were identified as having been purchased with organizational funds and were not necessary for agency operations, though authorities noted that certain items were not distinctive enough to conclusively determine ownership. Martinez was allowed to keep a laptop, according to the complaint.

During a law enforcement interview in September 2025, Martinez acknowledged that the credit card policy was already in place when he was hired. He told investigators he believed spending limits were later increased to align with state guidelines and said he handled most records digitally. Martinez claimed receipts were kept in a filing cabinet and said auditors periodically conducted spot checks. He acknowledged there may have been a small number of purchases for which receipts were not provided.

Martinez also told investigators some items were purchased for audio production and music composition tied to future projects he believed would benefit the organization. He described himself as a “visionary” and said certain tools were intended for long-term use, even if there was no immediate financial return. He further stated that some equipment remained in his home office because the commission lacked adequate storage space.

Prosecutors allege those explanations do not account for the volume or nature of the purchases, which they say were personal and unauthorized. According to a LinkedIn profile, Martinez began working with the Minnesota State Senate after leaving the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission, where he is listed as the current director and executive producer of media services.

The felony theft charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted. Martinez has been summoned to appear in February on the charge.

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