Tempe Police Arrest California Man for Sexual Exploitation of 13-Year-Old Girldetail

TEMPE, AZ - The Tempe Police Department announced the arrest and extradition of 23-year-old Daniel Angel Martinez from California following an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl from Tempe. Martinez faces three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

The investigation began in August 2025 after the victim's parents discovered explicit chats and images on her phone. The investigation revealed Martinez and the victim initially met online through Discord when she was 12 and developed a romantic relationship. Between January and September 2025, the investigation shows they exchanged hundreds of nude images and videos. Detectives also learned Martinez traveled from California to Arizona on multiple occasions and engaged in sexual conduct with the victim on at least three occasions.

Tempe Police detectives filed charges and obtained an arrest warrant. Martinez, who was living in Pomona, California, was arrested on November 19 with the assistance of the Riverside County District Attorney's Child Exploitation Investigation Team. Search warrants were served on Martinez's home, car, and all of his electronic devices, which have been seized to support the ongoing investigation.

Martinez was extradited to Arizona and is currently in custody. The investigation remains active as detectives continue processing evidence.

"Protecting children and holding offenders accountable is one of our highest priorities," said Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy. "This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations, collaboration across jurisdictions, and swift action to prevent further harm."

Anyone with information regarding this case or similar incidents is urged to contact Tempe Police detectives immediately.