In a significant development for Miami politics, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for corruption charges. However, in a twist that allows him to remain free for now, Martinez will be permitted to stay out of custody as his legal team pursues an appeal of his conviction. The ruling comes nearly a year after a jury found Martinez guilty of unlawful compensation and conspiracy to commit unlawful compensation.
The Verdict and The Sentence
On September 15, 2025, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Miguel de la O handed down a sentence of 34.5 months in state prison to Joe Martinez. This sentence aligns with the minimum recommended by state guidelines for the felony charges. Martinez, a former police lieutenant and veteran politician, was convicted in November 2024 after prosecutors successfully argued that he accepted $15,000 from a local supermarket owner in exchange for legislative favors. The state contended that Martinez promised to push for legislation that would alleviate code violations faced by the supermarket owner and its landlord concerning excessive storage containers on the property. The legislation, however, never came to a vote.
Despite the conviction and the prison sentence, Judge de la O indicated a degree of judicial consideration for Martinez. The judge noted that the 34-month minimum sentence felt too harsh, especially in light of extensive testimony presented during a sentencing hearing that highlighted Martinez’s prior decades of public service as a law enforcement officer and elected official. The judge expressed that his hands felt tied by legal guidelines but suggested that if an appeals court were to rule in a way that allowed for a lesser sentence, he might impose a significantly reduced term of one year in jail. For now, Martinez is free pending the outcome of his appeal, a process expected to take at least a year.
A Prominent Political Figure
Joe Martinez has had a long and varied career in public service within the Miami-Dade area. He served on the Miami-Dade County Commission for multiple terms, beginning in 2000. His tenure was not continuous; he stepped down in 2012 for an unsuccessful bid for county mayor and later ran unsuccessfully for Florida’s 26th Congressional District in 2014. He was re-elected to the County Commission in 2016 and again in 2020. Prior to his political career, Martinez served for 17 years as a police lieutenant. His public service was interrupted when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended him from his commission seat following his arrest in August 2022. Martinez had also been a contender in the race for the newly reinstated Miami-Dade Sheriff position, though he ultimately lost in the Republican primary in 2024.
The Core of the Case
The case against Martinez centered on allegations that he misused his elected office for personal gain. Prosecutors presented evidence that Martinez received three payments of $5,000 each in 2016 and 2017 from Jorge Negrin, the owner of Extra Supermarket. Negrin and his landlord were facing substantial fines for having too many storage containers at their West Miami-Dade location. The prosecution’s argument was that Martinez accepted these payments specifically to influence county legislation in their favor. Evidence presented suggested a quid pro quo, noting that the payments ceased once the proposed ordinance failed to advance. The state argued that Martinez attempted to exploit his public position, thereby undermining public trust. The defense, however, maintained that the transaction was a private matter between individuals who knew each other for years and that Martinez acted as a private citizen and consultant, not using his official capacity.
Judicial Deliberation and Future Uncertainty
During the sentencing hearing, numerous character witnesses, including fellow commissioners, law enforcement colleagues, and family members, spoke on Martinez’s behalf, painting a portrait of a dedicated public servant. Judge de la O acknowledged the volume and emotional nature of this testimony, noting it was the most he had ever heard in a sentencing. However, he also pointed to Martinez’s refusal to express remorse as a factor that complicated his sentencing decisions. Martinez himself has consistently denied any wrongdoing, telling reporters outside the courthouse that he could not admit to something he did not do.
With the sentencing now issued, Martinez’s legal team has reiterated their commitment to appealing the conviction. They had previously argued that prosecutors misled the jury and that Martinez’s actions did not constitute the creation of legislation as defined by the law. The defense sought a sentence that would include a withhold of adjudication, no formal conviction, and significantly less prison time, arguing that Martinez’s reputation and past service should be taken into account. The current decision to allow him to remain free pending appeal reflects the ongoing legal process and the potential for a different outcome should the appellate court rule in his favor. For the time being, this trending news story in Miami highlights the complex intersection of justice, public service, and the appeals process, leaving the final chapter of Joe Martinez’s legal battle yet to be written.
This news continues to develop, and the eventual outcome of the appeal will be closely watched. As a former commissioner, Martinez’s case carries significant weight in the ongoing discourse surrounding ethics and accountability in Miami-Dade politics.
