Opinion ID: 4569704
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: facts

Text: In this section, we summarize only the central facts and procedures. Additional background will be set forth in the analysis section. The State filed an information against Martinez for three counts of first degree sexual assault upon his daughter, M.F. She was born in 1995. Because a verdict of acquittal was directed on counts 2 and 3 and Martinez was convicted only - 520 - Nebraska Supreme Court Advance Sheets 306 Nebraska Reports STATE v. MARTINEZ Cite as 306 Neb. 516 on count 1, we summarize only the evidence regarding that conviction. It addressed the time period from January 2001 to July 2006. In September 2017, M.F. reported the incidents to law enforcement authorities. At trial, she testified to the following events, which occurred while she was between the ages of 5 and 11. In accordance with our standard of review, we summarize them in the light most favorable to the State. 1. Mexico Prior to trial, Martinez filed a motion for the State to disclose what evidence it intended to offer at trial of “other crimes, wrongs and/or acts of the defendant” and for an evidentiary hearing. At the evidentiary hearing, the State offered M.F.’s testimony regarding sexual contact that had occurred in Mexico. M.F. stated that, when she was 5 years old, she woke up to Martinez “rubbing on [her] vagina over [her] underwear.” She stated that in Mexico, it happened only once. In September 2001, M.F. moved from Mexico to Lincoln, Nebraska, where the sexual conduct escalated. The court found that evidence of the sexual contact which occurred in Mexico was admissible under Neb. Evid. R. 414, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 27-414 (Reissue 2016). It was relevant to show the progression of the sexual assault, and its probative value was not outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. At trial, M.F. testified to the same events. She stated that Martinez rubbed his fingers on her vagina in a circular motion and told her to stay quiet. Martinez did not renew his objection. 2. Lincoln, Nebraska At trial, M.F. stated that when she moved to Lincoln, her family lived in a mobile home. At that residence, when M.F. was 6 years old, she woke up to Martinez “rub[bing] on my vagina over my underwear.” She stated that it lasted several - 521 - Nebraska Supreme Court Advance Sheets 306 Nebraska Reports STATE v. MARTINEZ Cite as 306 Neb. 516 minutes where “[Martinez] would use his fingers . . . in a circular motion, to rub on my vagina.” This was the only sexual contact which occurred at that residence. M.F. and her family moved to an apartment. At this residence, two incidents occurred. When M.F. was 7 years old, Martinez asked M.F. to perform oral sex on him. Martinez took off both his and M.F.’s pants and underwear. He put his penis into her mouth. Simultaneously, he began to lick M.F.’s vagina. She felt uncomfortable and got off of Martinez. She stated that this was the only occurrence of oral sex. When M.F. was 7 or 8 years old, the second sexual contact at this residence occurred. Martinez took off M.F.’s pants and underwear and laid her face down on a bed. He grabbed onto her hips, pulled her toward him, and inserted his penis into her anus. She stated that his penis was inserted for only a few seconds, because she “launched forward” from the pain. She got off the bed and ran to the bathroom. M.F. and her family then moved to a house. At this residence, when M.F. was 9 or 10 years old, Martinez had sexual intercourse with her. Martinez pulled off her pants and underwear, retrieved “a square package” from under the mattress, and placed it on his penis. M.F. believed the square package to be a condom. He inserted his penis into her vagina, moved up and down for a few minutes, removed his penis and condom, and ejaculated onto her stomach. In July 2017, M.F. told her mother about the sexual contact. In September, M.F. reported it to law enforcement. 3. Verdict and Sentencing After the State rested, counts 2 and 3 of the information were dismissed. Martinez presented no evidence. Count 1 was submitted to the jury, which found Martinez guilty of first degree sexual assault. The district court sentenced Martinez to imprisonment for not less than 30 years and not more than 40 years. - 522 - Nebraska Supreme Court Advance Sheets 306 Nebraska Reports STATE v. MARTINEZ Cite as 306 Neb. 516