ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The daughter of former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez was arrested for allegedly shoplifting in November, and 9 Investigates found out she was still offered a high-profile job with Orange County government.
Lauren Martinez was offered a job to help oversee a county grant program just weeks after her arrest at Fashion Square Mall, records show. The 37-year-old is accused of stealing clothes from Macy's department store.
But when investigative reporter Daralene Jones started asking questions, and since then, Lauren Martinez's job offer was rescinded.
"She should know better!" Orange County resident Nancy Newman said.
A background check was done prior to her job offer, and sources told Jones that she discussed the arrest during her interview, but was still offered the position to help oversee the controversial Ryan White grant.
The grant is a funding program used to help people with HIV and AIDS that has been scrutinized in recent years for allowing money to sit idle.
Lauren Martinez's father is also Orange County Chairman; many would consider him a powerful Republican in central Florida. Some question whether that played a role in offering her the job.
"If they found out that she had stolen, she shouldn't been given an opportunity to work there," resident Eddie Dickinson said.
County officials insist Lauren Martinez was not offered the job because of her father, and said the offer was rescinded after the county received a detailed police report about her arrest, which allegedly contradicted statements she made during the job interview.