NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk police officer has been arrested and accused of committing sexual assault, the Norfolk Police Department says.
Herman Martin, 44, from Norfolk, was arrested just before 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday and charged with sexual assault, police say.
The charge comes after a woman told police on Wednesday that she had been sexually assaulted at 853 N Military Highway by an officer on a previous date, the department says.
The address is for a Motel 6 in Norfolk.
Police said the alleged assault happened while he was working in a police capacity. Norfolk police explained to News 3 that this means Martin was being paid by an outside entity to provide police services at a specific location—meaning he was not on duty as a Norfolk police officer but was on duty in the part-time role.
Police could not say which private party Martin was working for at the time.
Nicholas Stearns who is staying at the motel, said for an officer to be accused of this is disappointing.
"For that to happen that's unusual and very strange and I do believe they should investigate this man even further," Stearns said.
Stearns said he has been wondering if recent police activity around the motel is because of this incident.
"I took my dogs out and saw a police car pull into the hotel area and he got out of his car and he was out for about half an hour and when I came back with my dogs he was speeding off," Stearns said.
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After investigating, police arrested Martin. He was taken to Norfolk City Jail and released on bond.
The department says they’ve put Martin on administrative duty as they continue to investigate. They shared the following statement regarding the situation:
“The Norfolk Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards," said Chief Mark Talbot. "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 is dealt with swiftly. Today, as a department, we join 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.”
