Anthony L. Martin
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| Anthony L. Martin | |
|---|---|
 Anthony Martin 2019 Mugshot.webp A 2019 mugshot of Martin after his arrest | |
| Born | Anthony Lee Martin March 5, 1967 Woonsocket, Rhode Island |
| 💀Died | May 30, 2020 (aged 53) Woonsocket, Rhode IslandMay 30, 2020 (aged 53) |
| Cause of death | sudden illness |
| Burial place | Russell J Boyle and Son Funeral Homes |
| 💼 Occupation | |
Anthony Lee Martin (March 5, 1967 - May 30, 2020) was an American music educator, and former U.S. Marine who taught in the North Providence School District in Rhode Island for more than twenty years.
In 2019, Martin was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police and charged with possession of child pornography following an investigation.[1]
Personal life and education
Martin was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on March 5, 1967. He was married to Maria E. (Conca) Martin for eight years and was a stepfather to her daughter. Martin had two sisters and several nieces and nephews. His close friends would call him "Big T", and he often referred his friends as his "brothers". Outside of teaching, he enjoyed kayaking, cycling and riding his motorcycle through the New England countryside.[2]
Martin graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree.[2][note 1]
Career
In 1997, Martin taught in Florida and Massachusetts schools, though the specific schools where he worked have not been publicly identified.[3] In September of 1999, Martin joined the North Providence School District. Where he became a band and music teacher at North Providence elementary and middle schools such as Stephen Onley, McGuire, and Centredale Elementary School.[4] He was well liked within the community.[note 2] In 1999, Martin filed a grievance with the North Providence School Committee claiming his placement on the district salary schedule was incorrect under applicable law.[5] The Rhode Island Department of Education issued a decision on the matter, and Martin's subsequent petition for review to the Rhode Island Supreme Court was looked at and denied on December 21, 2000.[6]
Child pornography charges
On September 12, 2019, Rhode Island State Police arrested Martin at his home on Central Street in Lincoln at age 52.[3][7] He was charged with possession of child pornography after investigators identified digital media linked to an internet connection at his residence being used to access illicit content.[4] A search warrant executed at the property uncovered the materials.[8][9]
Martin was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. He was arraigned the same day and held on a $5,000 bail.[10] In court, he declined to post bail, stating, "I want no bail, your honor" after which the judge noted that posting bail was his choice.[11] If convicted, the charge carried a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.[12] The case received local media coverage from outlines including WJAR, NECN and The Providence Journal.
Reactions
Personal reactions relating to his arrest the following day left some parents expressing shock, concern and disgust.[4] Many parents asked their children if they were touched inappropriately by Martin and why he taught there in the first place.
The superintendent of the North Providence School District issued a statement to parents confirming that there was no evidence of students being involved and that Martin had been placed on paid administrative leave pending on the investigation.[11] After Martin's absent and death he was replaced with Anthony Torelli who is the current North Providence elementary school music teacher.[13]
In 2021, some former students reported that Martin would engage in inappropriate behavior, including stalking near girl's bathroom and using stuffed teddy bears that whenever someone sat down the toys would record them.[7] He frequently used a puppet called "Mr. Wolfy". He would pull out the puppet's hair onto a comb and give it to a student who was the most "well behaved"
Death
On May 30, 2020, Martin was taken ill and transported to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he later died at the age of 53.[2] His death occurred before any judgement could be issues in his legal case.[9]
Notes
References
- ↑ Perry, Rachael (2019-09-12). "North Providence elementary teacher arrested for child porn". ABC6. Retrieved 2025-11-27.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Anthony L. Martin Obituary". tributearchive.com. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Paiva, Ken (2019-09-12). "Elementary school teacher arrested on child pornography charges". Fall River Reporter. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 San Miguel, Michelle (2019-09-12). "Elementary school teacher in North Providence arrested for child pornography". WJAR. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). www2.ride.ri.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-27. Retrieved 2025-11-27. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Burns, Brian B. (2000-12-21). "Supreme Court No. 00-454-M.P." (PDF). Courts RI Gov. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 ChrisS. "RI State Police Arrest Elementary School Teacher for Child Porn". GoLocalProv. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ Nunes, Rachel (2019-09-12). "North Prov. Elementary Teacher Charged With Child Porn Possession". Smithfield, RI Patch. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Amaral, Brian; Miller, G Wayne. "N. Providence teacher charged with possessing child pornography". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ WPRI (2019-09-12). North Providence music teacher charged with child porn possession. Retrieved 2025-11-27 – via YouTube.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Dotzenrod, Nicole (2019-09-17). "Community outraged by allegations against longtime music teacher". The Valley Breeze. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ "Rhode Island elementary school music teacher arrested for child porn". WGXA. 2019-09-12. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ "Centredale- Teachers and Staff – North Providence Public Schools". 2025-10-03. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
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