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Norfolk police officer arrested, charged with sexual assault

Crystal Graham
Herman W. Martin, 44
Herman W. Martin, 44

A Norfolk police officer has been arrested after a woman reported she had been sexually assaulted by him while he was working in a police capacity.

Herman W. Martin, 44, of Norfolk, was taken into custody and taken to Norfolk City Jail. He was released on bond.

The incident allegedly occurred at 853 N. Military Highway on Oct. 9, according to the investigation.

“The Norfolk Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards,” said Chief Mark Talbot, “and as the police chief, I will always ensure that when an officer is found to have behaved in a manner that contradicts the organization’s values, it is dealt with swiftly.

“As a department, we join our community in feeling deeply disappointed by these allegations,” Talbot said. “I ask for the continued support of the community, as the actions of one are not reflective of the other Norfolk police officers who continue to serve this city and its residents with great pride and distinction.”

The Norfolk Police Department has placed Martin on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.