The pre-trial hearing for the alleged Twinkies Bandit — Charles Steve Ortez, Jr. — has been continued until October 15 at 8:30 a.m. (File Photo)
By G.T. Houts
UPDATE: Wednesday, October 8 – 3:45 p.m.
San Bernardino, CA – A pre-trial hearing for the alleged Twinkies Bandit has been continued by stipulation one week to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, in Department S-19.
Charles Steve Ortez, Jr., 63, was scheduled for the hearing on October 8 but the matter was continued by Judge Elia V. Pirozzi by stipulation.
Ortez remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. Judge Pirozzi did not adjust the $50,000 bail during the brief court appearance by Ortez.
ORIGINAL STORY
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, October 8. Ortez is accused of robbing a Twin Peaks convenience store at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items.
In his most recent court appearance on September 10, the 63-year-old Ortez was granted a continuance by stipulation from Judge 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. — a Twin Peaks resident — 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. (208)