Janitor accused by female co-worker pleads innocent

A janitor at the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse appeared before a judge there Thursday, a day after he was arrested at work on a charge of abusive sexual contact.

Jardeil Melendez-Martinez, 44, is accused of locking a female co-worker in a courthouse bathroom on July 23, fondling her breasts and attempting to force her to help him masturbate. He pleaded not guilty.

Assistant Federal Public Defender Shari Kaufman said her client has no criminal record. She also said that he has the security clearance to work not only at the courthouse but at another federal facility where he has a second job: Nellis Air Force Base.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen scheduled a Dec. 7 trial date for the defendant.

She ordered his release over the objection of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Newman, who argued that the Mexican citizen is both a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Kaufman said her client has lived in the same Las Vegas home since 2004. Eight relatives, including his wife, came to court Thursday to show their support for him. Kaufman also said that Melendez-Martinez has continued to work at the courthouse.

The victim, who was not identified in the indictment, also has continued to work at the courthouse.

Leen asked Newman to explain the delay in charging Melendez-Martinez.

The prosecutor said authorities knew the seriousness of the allegations could affect the suspect's jobs and wanted to do a thorough investigation. Newman also said that the Federal Protective Service, which investigated the case, has one agent for all of Nevada, Arizona and Southern California.

The General Services Administration, which owns the courthouse, contracts with Tried & True Corporate Cleaning for janitorial services in the downtown Las Vegas building.

Kaufman said Melendez-Martinez has worked at Nellis Air Force Base for more than two years and at the federal courthouse since November.

Deputy U.S. marshals arrested the defendant at the courthouse Wednesday afternoon, shortly after a federal grand jury indicted him.

Melendez-Martinez gave notice at his courthouse job last week after his part-time job at Nellis turned into a full-time job, Kaufman said.

Leen said Melendez-Martinez must maintain employment and remain in the United States. Also, he will be electronically monitored.

Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.