Arias prosecutor Juan Martinez fired by Maricopa County, appealing move

PHOENIX — Maricopa County prosecutor Juan Martinez, best known for his part in the Jodi Arias case, has been fired and is appealing the decision, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Martinez was dismissed on Feb. 21. He filed an appeal March 2, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Martinez had been placed on administrative leave on Feb. 7 after a formal complaint filed by the State Bar of Arizona in March of 2019 alleged sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior with a juror during the Arias trial.

Kenneth Vick, the county’s chief deputy attorney, is attempting to punish Martinez over conduct for which he was already disciplined, the appeal said.

“Mr. Martinez rightfully believed that after accepting the discipline, he should be able to move forward with his distinguished career,” Brown wrote.

Martinez received a written reprimand and completed a recommended sexual harassment training session.

Martinez’s attorney also questioned the chief deputy’s authority to take action to terminate the prosecutor since he is not the county attorney.

Martinez was also accused of having a relationship with a blogger covering the trial and leaking the identity of a juror to her.

Other accusations included making unwanted advances to office staff members and giving false statements in a deposition.

A judge dismissed some of these complaints last August.

Before being placed on administrative leave, Martinez was reassigned from death-penalty cases and moved to the auto theft bureau.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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