Border Patrol's second-highest official opts to retire amid sexual misconduct allegations
Joel Martinez, the second-highest ranking official in the U.S. Border Patrol has elected to retire amid allegations of sexual misconduct, say two sources.
The second-highest-ranking official in the U.S. Border Patrol has elected to retire amid allegations of sexual misconduct toward female Border Patrol employees, according to two sources familiar with his departure.
Joel Martinez, who assumed the role of acting deputy chief in January, is under investigation by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility after multiple female employees accused him of sexual misconduct stemming from his time working in the Laredo, Texas, border sector, the sources said.
The sources familiar with Martinez’ exit said women allege that he made aggressive comments to them about his desire to have sex with them and that they felt threatened by him and pressured to have sex with him.
Joel Martinez, acting deputy chief of U.S. Border Patrol.CBPThe Washington Post was first to report that Martinez was suspended, but did not identify a reason.
Asked about Martinez, a CBP spokesperson told NBC News, “We do not tolerate misconduct within our ranks.”
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