safety
Why 39 counts of possession of child pornography were dismissed against a former SAPD officer
By Zaria Oates, Jarryd Luna at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 27, 2026
· 4 min read
Matthew Martin, a former San Antonio Police officer, was facing 39 counts of possession of child pornography and a charge for stalking before all charges were dropped. Ben Sifuentes Jr. represented Martin as an attorney and told KSAT this case should have never been filed.According to the finding...
Key takeaway According to the findings of fact, Matthew Martin and his ex-fiancée, Ashley Pacheco, ended their relationship in January 2021.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The dismissal of 39 counts of possession of child pornography against former San Antonio Police officer Matthew Martin raises questions about the handling of evidence and witness testimony in Alamo Heights and surrounding areas. The case highlights the complexities of digital evidence and the importance of proper protocol in investigating such crimes. The fact that Martin's ex-fiancée, Ashley Pacheco, was told she would not get in trouble for stealing his phone, and that officers subsequently searched the phone without clear authority, has significant implications for how law enforcement agencies in Bexar County approach similar cases in the future. As the community moves forward, it will be crucial to examine the procedures in place for investigating crimes involving digital evidence and to ensure that all parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities. This case may also prompt a review of training protocols for local law enforcement officers to prevent similar mishandlings of evidence.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Matthew Martin, a former San Antonio Police officer, was facing 39 counts of possession of child pornography and a charge for stalking before all charges were dropped. Ben Sifuentes Jr. represented Martin as an attorney and told KSAT this case should have never been filed.According to the finding...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Zaria Oates, Jarryd Luna at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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