A pre-trail hearing for the alleged Twinkies Bandit — Charles Steve Ortez, Jr. — has been scheduled for August 20 at 8:30 a.m. (File Photo)
By G.T. Houts
San Bernardino, CA - The alleged Twinkies Bandit — Charles Steve Ortez, Jr. — will return to San Bernardino County Superior Court for a pre-trial hearing at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-9, on Wednesday, August 20. Ortez is accused of robbing a Twin Peaks convenience store at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items.
In his most recent court appearance on July 9, the 63-year-old Ortez was granted a continuance from Elia V. Pirozzi.
Ortez remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on $500,000 bail. He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
THE CASE
Ortez, Jr. is charged with allegedly robbing Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks on Monday, October 1, 2012, of Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash.
The armed robbery, utilizing a Taurus .38-caliber revolver, took place about three minutes before the market was scheduled to close for the night, according to documents released by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station. The robber was carrying a black duffel bag and he utilized it to carry the items taken after he ordered the female cashier to lie on the floor while he added money from the cash register.
The gun believed used in the robbery was recovered when Ortez was arrested at 9:30 a.m. on October 31, 2012. It was his 62nd birthday. (42)