A 37-year-old Worthington woman found herself behind bars on charges of a compulsory school attendance law violation and neglect of a dependent after her child racked up more than 34 absences this school year – 23 of which were unexcused. 

Greene County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Zach Mead arrested Pamela Sue Martinez on Feb. 2 on a warrant that was issued on Feb. 1. 

According to a probable cause affidavit written by White River Valley (WRV) School Corporation School Resource Officer Brittany Ingram, as of Jan. 30, Martinez’s child has 34 and a half absences for the school year. Of those, 23 were unexcused. At the end of the first semester and according to a recent progress report, the student’s class performance is poor. 

Per the probable cause affidavit, representatives from the school corporation have had multiple conversations with Martinez regarding the attendance issue. 

On Oct. 13, 2023, a letter was issued to Martinez for three absences. Another letter was issued on Oct. 23, 2023. This letter was for seven absences. On Nov. 27, 2023, then-WRV Student Resource Officer Michael Coy delivered a letter to Martinez for 12 absences. On Jan. 25 and 30, an administrator called Martinez to discuss the child’s attendance and grades.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Martinez was asked why the child was missing so much school. She provided the school with different doctor’s statements late, stating she found them in the child’s bag. 

Martinez was transported to Greene County Jail where her bond was set at $4,500 surety with 10% cash allowed. She was released later the same day after posting $450. 

She is scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing on Feb. 15. She is facing charges of compulsory school attendance violation, a Class B Misdemeanor, and neglect of a dependent – deprives dependent of education as required by law, a Level 6 Felony.