DA: Court Officer Accused Of Rape Ordered Coworker To Destroy Phone

LAWRENCE (CBS) – A Lawrence court officer already charged with raping a shackled female inmate was arraigned on Wednesday for allegedly telling a colleague to destroy a cell phone containing potential evidence.

Jose Martinez was arraigned last week with three counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault and battery.

Prosecutors allege that on March 9, Martinez then contacted a fellow court officer and told him to find and destroy a cell phone that "contained potentially incriminating photos and videos."

On Wednesday, the Essex District Attorney's office said Martinez was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail with his bail revoked on his previous case after his arraignment for witness intimidation.

In addition, Martinez was ordered to turn in his passport and wear a GPS monitoring device if he posts bail after 90 days.

Following Martinez's directions, the court officer found the phone on a shelf behind the judge's bench in one of the Lawrence courtrooms, prosecutors said. Martinez's colleague told another court officer who then told police.

Martinez is next scheduled to appear on March 23 in Lynn District Court for a probably cause hearing.