Controversies
In June 1999, during a protest of more than 400 persons blocking an expressway in Hialeah, the city's then police chief, Rolando Bolanos, was hit in the head with a rock. Bolanos called Martinez to the scene and, during the battle, Martinez punched a butcher, Ernesto Mirabal. Mr Mirabal was charged with battery on an elected official, resisting arrest with violence and inciting a riot. The charges against Mirabel were later dropped.
In February 2007, when a "caustic" press release from Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer criticized Hillary Clinton's presence at a fundraiser at the ex-mayor's home, Martinez responded by using profane language.
Read more about this topic: Raul L. Martinez