HOUSTON – There are big developments in a disturbing story we first brought you Wednesday on KPRC 2 News. A man known for holding Bible study in his home is now facing sexual assault charges involving two girls.
Charles Martinez is now under bond restrictions, and we've learned this is not the first time Martinez has been accused of this type of crime.
Martinez, 53, claims to be a pastor, but prosecutors said there's no evidence of that.
Martinez did not say anything during his hearing Thursday morning, letting his lawyer do all the talking. He is accused of raping a girl with mental disabilities and sexually assaulting her sister in his northwest Harris County home.
Martinez's criminal record dates back to an arrest in 2001 when he owned the Mustang Christian Ranch, a camp for troubled children near Freeport. At that time, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of molesting a 13-year-old girl whose parents sent her there for an overnight stay.
Neighbors of Martinez are in shock about the most recent allegations.
"Very surprised. His wife, they are church-going people. Very surprised," said one neighbor.
Court records indicate the sisters told police they thought Martinez was a preacher and the two met him during Bible study sessions at his home.
During Thursday morning's hearing, the judge set a list of bond conditions for Martinez. He must wear an ankle monitor and surrender his passport. He has to stay in Harris and Montgomery counties, although he can travel to Idaho on an already scheduled trip. He can have no interaction with children unless they are in his family and under direct supervision.
Martinez is due in court again on Oct. 29.