NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk Police officer has been charged with sexual assault, police said.
According to officials, on Oct. 9, a woman reported to Norfolk police that she had been sexually assaulted by an officer on duty in the 800 block of North Military Highway five days prior, on Oct. 4.
Herman W. Martin, 44, who has been on the force for eight years, found himself on the wrong side of the law, and was taken into custody just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 3600 block of East Virginia Beach Boulevard.
At the time of the alleged incident, Martin was working in a part-time police capacity as an off-duty police officer for a private business, police said. Martin was charged with forcible sodomy. He has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation that he sexually assaulted a guest at the Motel 6 Oct. 4.
He has been employed with the Norfolk Police Department as a police officer since Jan. 11, 2016.
“The Norfolk Police Department hold its officers to the highest standards,” Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot said. “And as the Police Chief, I will always ensure that when an Officer is found to have behaved in a manner that contradicts the organization’s values, it it dealt with swiftly. Today, as a department, we join our our community in feeling deeply disappointed by these allegations. I ask for the continued support of the community, as the actions of one are not reflective of the other Norfolk Police Officers who continue to serve this City and its residents with great pride and distinction.”
Police said Martin was taken to Norfolk City Jail, where he was later released on bond. Martin is currently on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
The victim complained Wednesday, and Martin turned himself in Wednesday night.
10 On Your Side went to Martin’s home, and met a Norfolk Police captain with investigations coming outside.
“I can’t help you, sorry,” the captain said.
Asked if he could say anything about Martin, the captain closed his door and left.
10 On Your Side then went to the duplex unit the captain was coming from, knocked on the door but no one answered.
Back at the Motel 6 where Martin worked security, and even worked Wednesday, Norfolk detectives spent the day at the motel dotting I’s and crossing T’s in the investigation.
A detective, asked if there was anything he could say, replied that “you need to talk with the public information officer.”
He offered a “no comment” when asked about any surveillance videos.
Around 12:50 p.m., Officer Benjamin showed up and stayed just over an hour. He came to watch and record surveillance videos from motel cameras. Asked if he could say anything about what he saw on the surveillance cameras, he replied, “I can’t tell you. You will have to speak to the PIO’s office.”