NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk Police Department arrested one of its own officers late Wednesday night.
Officer Herman W. Martin, 44, was arrested at the department's police operations center after authorities say a woman accused him of sexual assault.
An NPD spokesperson says Martin was at work in an off-duty, part-time capacity, hired by a private business. The spokesperson said this is a common practice.
Martin is now charged with forcible sodomy. Police say the incident happened on N. Military Highway, the address matching a Motel 6.
Motel 6 staff told 13News Now there’s a security guard that works onsite, but added they don’t know anything about the investigation.
13News Now tried unsuccessfully to reach Martin but did hear from one of his neighbors. She said she's shocked by the news.
"My heart feels heavy," Monesha Laing said. "I didn’t see him as that person at all. He’s never come off that way."
As a result of the investigation, Martin was arrested, and later released on bond.
The Norfolk Police Department said Martin has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
"The Norfolk Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards," said Chief Mark Talbot in a statement. "And as the Police Chief I will always ensure that when an Officer is found to have behaved in a manner that contradicts the organization's values, it is dealt with swiftly. Today, as a department, we join our community in feeling deeply disappointed by these allegations. I ask for the continued support of the community, as the actions of one are not reflective of the other Norfolk Police Officers who continue to serve this City and its residents with great pride and distinction."
Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi said he can't share any details about Martin's pending case, but he explained police officers are treated no differently than the general public if they're charged with a crime.
"Nobody is above the law. Police officers are people," Fatehi explained. "At the point of arrest, an officer is the accused, and they are afforded the same rights and protections constitutionally as any other citizen. No more and no less."