La Crescent-Hokah Superintendent arrested in Houston County

LA CRESCENT, Minn. (WKBT) — The superintendent of the La Crescent-Hokah School District is facing charges of disorderly conduct and domestic assault.

La Crescent-Hokah School Superintendent Eric Martinez

Police arrested La Crescent-Hokah superintendent Eric Martinez early this morning.

After his court appearance, Martinez was released.

The charges are still pending, and it’s not clear how the school is going to handle the situation.

In a heavily redacted incident report from the Houston County Sheriffs Office, officers say Eric Martinez was the primary aggressor in a physical incident with a woman at his home early Friday morning.

The report goes on to say Martinez’s actions led to his arrest on possible charges of disorderly conduct and domestic assault. Both charges are misdemeanors.

The incident report says the neighbor who made the 911 call told law enforcement the fighting was “good enough to wake him up”.

Officers booked Martinez into the jail and held him there until he made a court appearance Friday afternoon.

Minnesota law does not allow cameras in the courtroom or recordings of appearances made by Zoom.

News 8 Now was allowed to watch the proceedings.

Martinez, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, only spoke once giving an attorney permission to speak on his behalf.

While law enforcement investigates, the judge released Martinez from jail.

He cannot drink alcohol or use controlled substances. He also cannot enter a bar or liquor store.

He must also return to court on December 7th for arraignment.

Martinez started as Superintendent with the La Crescent-Hokah district in July.

News 8 Now is still waiting for the district to comment on his arrest.

The district did send an email to parents saying the school board is holding an emergency meeting late this afternoon to consider placing Martinez on paid administrative leave.

According to the schools’ website, the emergency meeting was canceled.

News 8 Now will continue to keep you updated on the case and the district’s response.

This is a developing story. It will be updated when we have more information.

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