Finance
Restaurant Break-In Leads to Casino Gambling with Stolen Funds
2025-05-07

Two individuals accused of burglarizing a restaurant in Lincoln City allegedly utilized stolen money at a nearby casino, as detailed in court documents. Officers responded to an alarm at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant on April 30 and discovered the burglary scene. The suspects fled with coins and a firearm. Surveillance footage helped identify the culprits as Shanna Marie Martinez and Otoniel Fuentes Garcia. They were later seen gambling with the stolen coins at Chinook Winds Casino. Both were arrested and charged with multiple offenses.

This case also highlights the ongoing investigation into a series of burglaries involving Martinez and Garcia's criminal history, including prior charges and releases.

Identifying the Culprits and Their Actions

After responding to a burglary alarm, law enforcement identified two suspects who broke into Lee’s Chinese Restaurant. Through surveillance video, detectives traced their vehicle and determined their identities. Within hours of the break-in, the pair was spotted using stolen coins at a local casino, linking them directly to the crime.

On the morning of April 30, officers arrived at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant following a burglary alert. Evidence indicated that the intruders had taken not only cash but also a firearm. By analyzing security footage, investigators pinpointed the suspects' vehicle and ultimately named Shanna Marie Martinez and Otoniel Fuentes Garcia as those responsible. Court documents reveal that shortly after the incident, these individuals appeared at Chinook Winds Casino, where they used the stolen funds for gambling activities. This connection provided crucial evidence tying them to the crime.

Ongoing Investigation and Criminal Backgrounds

Further developments in the case include arrests and additional charges against Martinez and Garcia, who have ties to other crimes. Their backgrounds and involvement in previous incidents underscore the complexity of this investigation.

Martinez and Garcia were apprehended on May 2 and booked on various charges, including first-degree burglary and theft. Notably, Garcia had been released on pretrial conditions for another burglary charge from earlier in September 2024. Meanwhile, Martinez is linked to two additional burglaries in Lincoln City, complicating matters further. Authorities are actively seeking more information to expand their inquiry. Detective Jon Humphreys encourages anyone with relevant details to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving such cases. These events highlight the broader pattern of criminal behavior under scrutiny by local law enforcement.

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