Three New Mexico firefighters have been charged with gang-raping a coworker’s sister, with one even searching for “How long does DNA stay in vagina?” according to an affidavit.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue Lt. Aden Heyman, 46, Firefighter Angel Portillo, 32, and since-retired driver Anthony Martin, 44, were arrested and charged with second-degree rape on Wednesday, according to KOB4.
According to police documents acquired by the Albuquerque Journal, the woman consented to go to Martin’s house on July 15 after spending the day drinking with him and Portillo at a golf tournament.
They “were swimming, laughing, and having fun” until Heyman arrived and “the energy shifted,” the women told detectives, according to the records.
She described how she “began to fade,” and when she awoke, Heyman was “instructing” and “coaching” the other two on how to abuse her, according to the report.
According to the records, she eventually escaped by climbing through a bathroom window and was discovered curled up and wailing outside the apartment building.
A search of her relative’s phone after the woman went to police revealed messages between the victim’s family member and the accused firefighters.The trio exchanged text conversations in the days that followed, resolving to remain silent about what transpired, according to the records.
Heyman is said to have texted the lady that she doesn’t “want people knowing about it… I’ll never say a word about it to anyone.”
“I would hope it doesn’t get out unless the worst happens or we mention it. Which I won’t ever,” Martin replied, according to the documents.
Heyman made a Google search on Aug. 7 — more than three weeks after the alleged incident — asking, “How long does DNA stay in vagina?,” according to the documents.
According to KOB4, Martin has since retired. Heyman and Portillo were both placed on administrative leave by their respective departments, with both promising to assist with cops.
“The allegations were alarming and we determined a thorough investigation was necessary to determine the facts,” department Chief Emily Jaramillo told the Albuquerque Journal, saying they “treat these allegations seriously.”
The three men have refused to talk to investigators, the report said. However, their lawyers all denied the allegations, with Martin’s attorney, Ben Ortega, calling the accuser a drug user who is “not credible.”
“As far as I’m concerned, none of these three men did anything wrong and now their careers as firefighters will be tarnished by these allegations,” he said.
Heyman’s attorney Jason Bowles said the firefighter “has committed no crime and is innocent of these charges.”
Portillo’s attorney Heather LeBlanc also said her client “adamantly maintains his innocence in this matter.”
“As a respected firefighter in our community, he has dedicated his life to helping others,” LeBlanc said.
“He is fully aware of the gravity of these charges and has fully cooperated with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. We will be vigorously defending against these allegations to ensure that the truth prevails.”
The three men on Thursday appeared via video link in court, where they were kept in custody, KOB4 said.
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