The sentence includes ten years deferred adjudication, a fine and community service.
SAN ANTONIO — A former emergency room physician walked out of a courtroom Wednesday after signing a plea deal in a case involving a charge of online solicitation of a minor for sex.
47-year-old Anthony Michael Martinez was arrested by San Antonio police during a sting operation in October 2023.
Detectives said they had been communicating with Martinez by text and arranged a meeting at a northwest-side convenience store.
Investigators said when Martinez arrived, he was placed in handcuffs.
At the time, a magistrate judge set his bail at $50,000 and he has been out of jail on bond since that time.
In the 437th District Court Wednesday, Judge Joel Perez questioned Martinez about his understanding of the serious charges against him and agreed to a ten-year term of deferred adjudication.
Perez told the former doctor that if he faces any additional allegations during the coming decade, the consequences could be serious.
“Deferred adjudication is a special kind of probation,” Perez said. “If I find that it’s true that you violated your probation I could sentence you to anywhere in the range of punishment, which in this case is up to 20 years in prison.”
In addition to the prison term, the penalty range for the second degree felony also included a fine of up to $10,000, which was set at $2,000 by the judge, who also ordered 200 hours of community service.
The District Attorney’s Office provide the following comment regarding the case:
“Mr. Martinez will be on deferred adjudication probation for ten years, and if he violates any of his conditions of supervision, the judge can revoke his deferred adjudication status and send him to prison for up to 20 years. In addition, he was forced to not only surrender his medical license but will be required to register as a sex offender for the next 20 years, which is the longest amount of time possible under the law. Ultimately, the outcome of this case reflects our commitment to holding those in positions of public trust accountable and maintaining public safety.”
In wrapping up the sentencing, the defense attorney told the judge his intention was to file an immediate appeal of the case.