Perkiomen Man Pleads Guilty to Running Area Sex-Trade Business

A Perkiomen Township man pleaded guilty to running what authorities said was a “sex-trade business” in the area and faces deportation to Mexico and up to 23 months in county jail.

Florencio Perez Martinez, 45, who lived on the 600 block of Gravel Pike, was sentenced to 11 ½ to 23 months in prison and 18 years probation after pleading guilty to charges of promoting prostitution and corrupt organizations between February and June of 2013, according to the Pottstown Mercury.

According to an investigation by the Montgomery County Detectives Bureau that began in February, Martinez was allegedly observed driving women around Montgomery and surrounding counties in the evening, night and early-morning hours to allegedly provide sex for money.

According to police, Martinez allegedly procured a new woman each week for his operation; a search of Martinez’s home found condoms, U.S. currency and calendar and planner books with notes that allegedly detailed his sex-trade operation.

Martinez was arrested on the 800 bock of Wedgewood Drive in Lansdale, after a woman he brought to the home entered the residence and returned to Martinez’s car shortly thereafter.

Authorities believe the women were coming in from out of state; no other arrests have been made in connection with this operation.

“It’s the kind of crime that affects a whole community. It was throughout Montgomery County. He was doing this right in quiet neighborhoods and this type of activity can’t be tolerated by the community,” Assistant District Attorney Jordan Fritter told the Mercury.

Federal immigration officers placed a detainer on Martinez; he will be deported after serving jail time.