MONTVILLE, NJ — Luis Martinez, 35, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 11 years in New Jersey State Prison for stealing and possessing multiple firearms. The sentencing comes after Martinez and accomplices burglarized the FSS Armory store in Montville’s Pine Brook section earlier this year.
On January 6, law enforcement agencies identified Martinez as a suspect through a blend of electronic surveillance, DNA, and other technological methods. Martinez and others had stolen approximately 20 guns from the FSS Armory.
During a guilty plea on October 13, presided over by the Honorable Claudia Jones, J.S.C., Martinez admitted to the burglary. He confirmed that he and others had arrived at the armory in a stolen vehicle, broke into the store, stole the firearms, and loaded them into the trunk of the vehicle before fleeing.
The Honorable Claudia Jones sentenced Martinez on October 27. Martinez must serve at least 5 1/2 years before becoming eligible for parole. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State at the sentencing.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Leila Acevedo was identified and charged on September 14. Acevedo faces charges of conspiracy, burglary, and gun possession. Authorities are still working to identify three other co-conspirators involved in the burglary.