KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Greenfield Father Awaits Deportation After "Selling Daughter for Beer"

Greenfield Father Awaits Deportation After "Selling Daughter for Beer"

GREENFIELD, Calif. -  On Tuesday, new information became available regarding a case involving a Greenfield father, 36-year-old Marcelino de Jesus Martinez after he allegedly sold his 14-year-old daughter for marriage.

Despite rumors of arranged marriages occuring on the Central Coast, police in Greenfield say a case hasn't reached this level in at least six years.

The payment plan included $16,000, 150 cases of beer, 100 cases of soda, 50 cases of soda, 6 cases of meat, and 2 cases of wine. 

Police on Tuesday confirm the grocery items were not for the father's personal use, but for a marriage celebration. 

They also say both Margarito de Jesus Galindo and Marcelino de Jesus Martinez are possibly cousins and were neighbors in the same apartment complex.  Police Chief Joe Grebmeier also confirms both mean are not legal citizens and says DHS and ICE are involved in the case. 

Grebmeier says Martinez will eventually be deported back to Mexico, and assumes the same for Galindo.

As reported on Monday, the 14-year-old girl is back at home in Greenfield.  Police cannot confirm if the girl has a mother locally, but say Child Protective Services were in Greenfield on Tuesday visiting with the girl.  There were no details on the outcome of that meeting.

While enforcing the law, Greenfield Police say the situation is "cultural clash."  Both Martinez and Galindo are some the Western Mexican state of Qaxaca, where arrainged marriages are common and legal.

Martinez remains in Monterey County Jail on felony charges until his deportation.