The court proceedings involving the so-called Twinkies Bandit — accused of robbing a Twin Peaks market at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items — have been delayed again. (File Photo)
By G.T. Houts
UPDATE – Thursday, May 29 – 10:03 a.m.
San Bernardino, CA – San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Elia V. Pirozzi has granted another delay in the court proceedings involving the alleged Twinkies bandit — Charles Steve Ortez. During a disposition/reset hearing on May 28, Judge Pirozzi continued the matter until July 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-9.
Ortez remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. Bail remains at $500,000.
ORIGINAL STORY
San Bernardino, CA – The alleged Twin Peaks Twinkies bandit — Charles Steve Ortez — returns to San Bernardino County Superior Court for a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-9, on Wednesday, May 28. Ortez is accused of robbing a Twin Peaks convenience store at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items.
San Bernardino Justice Center (File Photo)
It will be Ortez’ first appearance in the new 12-story San Bernardino Justice Center.
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.
In his last court appearance on Wednesday, April 30, Judge Annemarie G. Pace granted an oral motion from Ortez’ attorney for a continuance due to another trail involving Deputy Public Defender Scott Roberts.
THE CASE
Ortez, Jr., now 63, 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. (134)