Ruben Martinez never shies away from the hardest cases. His relentless drive to protect the most vulnerable members of his community, combined with his skill in building solid cases for prosecution, sets him apart as a Game Changer in the field of child abuse investigations.

A Spanish speaker serving a diverse section of Riverside County in Southern California, Martinez establishes trust with the community. He treats victims with respect and compassion, creating a safe space for them to share their stories. His goal for every investigation is to build a case so strong that the child never has to enter the courtroom and endure testifying against their perpetrator. 

In addition to his investigative expertise, Martinez is a leader and mentor. He trains patrol deputies to respond to victims with care when they’re called to the scene and to conduct thorough investigations. He knows that empowering others to handle cases with the same empathy and consistency amplifies his impact, ultimately helping more victims.

Martinez’s partner at the sheriff’s office, Investigator Samantha Siaw, says despite his own daunting caseload, Martinez makes time to help his colleagues. Siaw says, “He’s an amazing mentor. Ruben is always ready to strategize, approaching each case with creativity to make sure we can keep victims safe from further abuse. His tenacity motivates us all to work harder.”

For his selfless dedication, tenacity, and inspiring leadership, EVAWI proudly names Investigator Ruben Martinez a Game Changer. As Investigator Siaw states, “Law enforcement agencies need more investigators like Ruben Martinez. There is no one more deserving of recognition for the difference he makes.”