Portales man sentenced on burglary, arson charges

CLOVIS — A Portales man was sentenced to four years in prison during district court proceedings Monday after entering a guilty plea to two counts of aggravated burglary (armed after entering) and two counts of arson.

Officials said the charges against Raheem Martinez, 20, stemmed from an effort to steal guns from three Clovis shops and set fires to divert police in the process in February 2015.

Judge Drew Tatum issued the sentence, saying each count serves as a second-degree felony.

Prior to Tatum rendering a decision, Assistant District Attorney Kristen Beltran presented the state’s rationale for the sentence.

“The state is asking for four years in the Department of Corrections for the defendant,” she said. “During the burglaries, there were a large amount of firearms stolen, and they were never recovered. The intent was to take the firearms to Albuquerque and sell them. There was a considerable amount of damage to three businesses in our community, and we believe a four-year sentence would be appropriate. There is no pattern of felony convictions or criminal behavior other than this case.”

Martinez was represented by attorney Brett Carter, who said the situation was initiated by Stephen Baker, who was also charged in the case.

“My client has taken responsibility for the four charges,” he said. “There was no juvenile or adult history until my client got involved with this situation with Mr. Baker. At the time the incident was committed, he has been working and has not been in any further trouble since he has been out on bond. Mr. Baker had quite a bit more involvement in this case than my client. We’re hoping for sentencing possibly of a year in the county jail, followed by five years probation mandated by the plea agreement.”

Raheem Martinez addressed the court, as did his father.

“I’d like to say I’m deeply sorry for the actions I have taken,” Raheem Martinez said. “It’ll never happen again.”

After retiring briefly to his chambers to consider Martinez’ fate, Tatum returned and delivered the decision.

“The most concerning aspect of what you have plead guilty to are the firearms,” he said to Martinez. “The intent that they were to be sold is very concerning. The biggest problem I have with that, it appears to be your intent was to steal the firearms and possibly sell them as if you had no concern whatsoever for the consequences or what they would used for. There always has to be consequences for your actions. The community must be protected from people like you and the acts you have committed. You’re young and no criminal history works in your favor.”

Carter requested a report date to the Department of Corrections for Martinez, which was denied by Tatum. Martinez was immediately taken into custody.