[citation needed] During his time in college, Martínez represented Puerto Rico in several international competitions of swimming and water polo.
Martínez started his professional career working for a Judicial Commission of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.
He then worked as Special Aide to the Commission of Natural Resources, Environmental and Energy Affairs of the Senate of Puerto Rico.
In 2006, Martínez gained notoriety when he was linked to purported Puerto Rican drug dealer José López Rosario, also known as Coquito.
During that time, Senators Martínez and Lornna Soto, and Representative Epifanio Jiménez either visited López, or called to check in his status.
[10][11] On June 22, 2010, a Federal Grand Jury indicted Héctor Martínez and businessman Juan Bravo on six charges of conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among others.