Bogus Agent Pleads No Contest

By Jim Stebinger

A photographer accused of taking advantage of women whom he allegedly photographed in various stages of undress has pleaded no contest to four misdemeanor counts, city officials said Wednesday.

Thomas D. Martinez entered the plea Friday in Santa Monica Municipal court before Judge Leslie Light. Light sentenced him to 2 years in Los Angeles County Jail, but suspended the sentence and imposed three years probation.

Martinez - who allegedly kept the photographs of the scantily clothed women, as well as the money they paid him -- was charged with two counts of petty theft and two counts of operating without a license.

If Martinez fails to live up to the terms of probation he will serve the jail sentence, according to Dep. City Atty. Adam Radinsky.

The probation terms require Martinez to obey all laws and pay $1,350 in fines and restitution to one of his victims who was not compensated. He can use no aliases and must report all contact with law enforcement other than traffic stops to Judge Light.

During his probation period his employment is subject to scrutiny by the judge and he cannot engage in photography or positions where he will employ workers without Judge Light's approval.

Radinsky said the no contest plea is identical to a guilty plea except that it cannot be used against the defendant in a civil action.

Martinez allegedly used several aliases, including Tomas Cruz, Tommy Knighthorse, Thahme Knighthorse and Tommy Marin.

Martinez was arrested April 16 at his apartment in the 1300 block of Euclid Street, after an arrest warrant was issued for him on March 19, according to court documents. Radinsky said that several young women were lured to Martinez' apartment with promises of modeling jobs.

After charging the women between $25 and $40, photographs of the scantily clad young women were taken, Radinsky said.

However, Martinez kept their money and the photographs, and none of the women ever received jobs through him, Radinsky said.