FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Caitlin Mota
PHONE: (201) 577-6699
EMAIL: cmota@hcpo.org
DATE: Friday, January 21, 2022

POLICE OFFICER AND JERSEY CITY WOMAN CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit has arrested Frank Martinez, a 37-year-old Jersey City Police Officer, and Joanny Hidalgo, 36, of Jersey City, on charges relating to the abuse of a minor. Martinez and Hidalgo individually surrendered themselves to detectives with the Special Victims Unit on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the Jersey City Police Department was called to investigate a physical altercation between Martinez, Hidalgo, and a teenage child in their care. The child was transported to Jersey City Medical Center and treated for injuries to the face, shoulders, and arms.

Martinez and Hidalgo are each charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of 2C:24-4a (2), a crime of the second degree. Both are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Public Integrity Unit is also assisting with the investigation.

The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6)