Emmitt Martin III, a former Memphis police officer involved in the events surrounding Tyre Nichols' fatal beating, had his bond revoked on Friday and was sent back to jail due to harassment allegations. Martin is accused of threatening the mother of his child through text messages, including one that reportedly said, "This is not a threat, I was a police officer, I know what a threat is," and "I will handle you and your boyfriend," according to court documents obtained by Action News 5. Martin's bond conditions prohibited him from committing any federal, state, or local crimes.
During a court hearing, U.S. District Magistrate Charmiane G. Claxton asked Martin’s probation officer why bond revocation was chosen over modifying the bond conditions. The officer responded that she didn't want to risk the woman's safety, as Martin, who had pleaded guilty to federal charges related to Nichols' beating, had crossed a line with his messages. Martin turned himself in on Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued, walking into the federal courthouse in civilian clothes but handcuffed.
Martin's previous federal conviction stemmed from charges of excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper, which he admitted to in a plea deal. As part of the deal, he testified against his former colleagues during a 19-day federal trial. The revocation of his bond means he will remain in custody until his sentencing, which is scheduled between May and June of 2025. A federal prosecutor told WREG that there was no desire to detain Martin but emphasized the importance of him avoiding contact with both the victim and another woman.
During the hearing, Martin pleaded with Claxton not to revoke his bond, stating that the threatening messages were a result of frustration and an attempt to "protect his peace," adding, "If the law says take me away, that takes me away from my child." Claxton determined that the text messages provided probable cause for harassment, which violated his bond conditions. Additionally, two other former officers, Taddarius Bean and Justin Smith, appeared in court on Friday. They, along with Martin, heard discussions about next steps in the state case against them, with defense teams reportedly preparing motions to dismiss several charges and possibly request a change of venue, according to Action News 5.
