Former Bridgeport Official Serves Time for Perjury in Fundraiser Case

Former Bridgeport Board of Education Chair Sentenced for Lying to Federal Grand Jury

Jessica Martinez, former chair of the Bridgeport Board of Education, was recently sentenced for lying to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of a 2018 campaign fundraiser for former state Senator Dennis Bradley. She received time already served in federal custody, as confirmed by a court clerk.

The false testimony occurred during an investigation into whether Bradley’s campaign defrauded Connecticut’s public funding system for political campaigns by providing false information about fundraising activities. Martinez admitted to lying under oath, expressing deep regret and remorse for her actions.

“I am here before you today because I did lie to a Grand Jury,” Martinez said in a statement she read to Judge Victor A. Bolden. “The moment I walked off that stand, my head was circling asking myself why. I immediately felt regret and remorse for not being truthful.”

Martinez emphasized that she was raised on values such as honesty, truth, morals, and integrity. Her parents were missionaries in Central America for over 25 years. She also expressed her desire to run for office again, stating that her community needs someone who is full of light, experience, and conviction.

Prosecutor Jonathan N. Francis argued that Martinez’s perjury was part of a series of lies aimed at covering up campaign fraud. He requested a prison term to punish Martinez and deter similar conduct, emphasizing the importance of fairness in the election and public campaign finance system.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged fraud affected voters in the 23rd State Senate District. The 2018 election was tainted by Bradley’s actions, which allowed him to secure an $84,140 public campaign grant. This, in turn, made the election outcome almost certain in Bridgeport. Additionally, Martinez’s actions damaged the public’s perception of the fairness of Connecticut’s publicly funded election finance process.

The prosecutor highlighted that Bridgeport has a history of electoral misconduct, and Martinez’s actions confirmed the public's fears about the integrity of local political candidates and elections.

Defense Arguments and Legal Context

Federal public defenders Carly Levenson and Tracy Hayes argued that Martinez had no interest or experience in managing campaign finances. They noted that she initially declined the treasurer’s role and only accepted it later. They also claimed that her lies stemmed from bad advice from Bradley, who had represented her in a domestic violence case during the same time period as the campaign finance investigation.

Martinez and Bradley were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit that crime in a scheme to obtain nearly $180,000 in campaign grants. While the charges against Bradley remain pending, his lawyer, Darnell D. Crosland, has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that the federal government lacks jurisdiction over the case.

According to federal court documents, Bradley and others allegedly made false statements regarding his compliance with state election law and the Citizens’ Election Program’s requirements. The indictment claims that Bradley spent approximately $5,600 in personal funds on a March 2018 event at Dolphin’s Cove Restaurant and Marina, including expenses for a band and invitations. Federal authorities stated that the program limits personal fund expenditures for state Senate candidates to $2,000.

Bradley and others claimed the event was a “thank you party” for friends and clients of his law firm. At the event, Bradley announced his candidacy for state Senate. Despite this, campaign filings misrepresented the dates of donations and omitted the event entirely.

Martinez falsely claimed that the Dolphin’s Cove event had nothing to do with her or the campaign. She added that it was an event put on by his law firm “thanking the community,” even though she knew he was going to announce his candidacy for state Senate.

Legal Consequences and Personal Impact

Making a false statement before a grand jury carries a maximum prison term of five years. However, Martinez received credit for the 19 days she spent in jail while awaiting trial. These days followed accusations by federal probation officials that she violated release conditions through substance abuse.

Her lawyers argued that Martinez has been significantly punished, given her lack of prior criminal record. She faced more than four years of supervision by the federal probation office while the case was pending, along with public scrutiny of her mental health and substance abuse problems.

After the sentencing, Martinez stated that she had nothing to do with organizing the Dolphin’s Cove event but acknowledged that Bradley did. When asked if she would testify against Bradley at a trial, she replied, “If the government calls upon me, I will be there.”