Salinas Man Convicted in Absentia, Still at Large

Jesse David Martinez, a 43-year-old man from Salinas, has been convicted of multiple charges, including evading police and illegal firearm possession, but he failed to appear for the remainder of his trial after jury selection. His conviction in absentia has led to a warrant being issued for his arrest, according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

The case stems from a traffic stop in Monterey last June, when Martinez fled from police during a pursuit that officers eventually deemed too dangerous to continue. After the chase, he admitted to discarding a loaded firearm in Lake El Estero, which was later recovered by a dive team. As authorities actively search for him, Martinez now awaits sentencing once he is apprehended.

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