Brothers Get Jail Sentence for Attack

Two men who assaulted South Torrance High football Coach Brett Peabody because of a relative’s lack of playing time pleaded no contest Tuesday to misdemeanor charges of battery against a school employee and were sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years’ probation.

John Blaz Martinez, 34, and his brother, Anthony Julio Martinez, 23, both of Lomita, agreed to the plea bargain at their arraignment before Judge Thomas P. Allen Jr. in Los Angeles Superior Southwest District Court in Torrance.

“The decision we made today was basically just to try and end this, to put it behind us and basically start the healing process,” John Martinez said afterward outside the courthouse.

He also said, “What I did wasn’t right,” and that he regretted his actions.

Peabody, 29, did not attend the hearing, which was continued from last week, saying he did not want to see the Martinezes. Peabody is preparing his team for Friday’s Southern Section Division X semifinal playoff game against Inglewood.

“I’m just kind of happy and relieved,” Peabody said. “I’m happy they decided to take responsibility and not try to duck what they did.

“I’m glad there is some real concrete punishment. I thought it was necessary to send a message to society in general that you can’t go do this to teachers and coaches.”

The Martinez brothers were arrested and booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after South Torrance’s 24-21 Ocean League loss at North Torrance on Oct. 20. They were released that night.

John Martinez was reportedly angry that his son, running back and linebacker John Martinez Jr., had carried the ball only three times and confronted Peabody. According to police, after a short conversation, the elder Martinez, without provocation, hit Peabody from behind and knocked him to the ground, where Peabody also was struck by Anthony Martinez.

John Martinez was charged with one count each of misdemeanor battery, battery against a school employee and battery on school property. Anthony Martinez was charged with two counts each of misdemeanor battery, battery against a school employee and battery on school property because he also had struck South Torrance assistant coach Chad Nammack, who was coming to Peabody’s aid.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. The maximum fine for battery is $1,000. The maximum fine for battery against a school employee and battery on school property is $2,000 for each count.

Patrick Sullivan, deputy city attorney for Torrance, said he agreed to offer one count each of battery against a school employee if the Martinezes accepted the terms of the sentence they received Tuesday, specifically the jail time. The Martinezes turned down the deal at their original arraignment Nov. 21 and asked for a continuance.

The Martinezes also were each ordered to pay a $910 fine or perform 152 hours of community service, and complete a one-year anger-management class. They have a restitution hearing set for Jan. 22, the day they are also scheduled to turn themselves in to begin their jail sentences.

They must stay at least 100 yards away from Peabody, his wife, their daughter and Nammack.

Rick Hicks, Peabody’s attorney, said he will file a civil suit later this week against John and Anthony Martinez on behalf of Peabody, his wife, daughter and mother, who witnessed the assault.