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Newark Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Major Firearm Heist in Montville
Luis Martinez receives an 11-year sentence for his involvement in the theft of approximately 20 guns from FSS Armory; investigation into remaining suspects continues.
Morristown, NJ – Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, along with top law enforcement officials, announced the 11-year sentencing of Luis Martinez, 35, formerly of Newark, for his role in a high-stakes firearm theft in Montville, NJ.
On January 6, 2023, Luis Martinez and unknown accomplices broke into FSS Armory in Pine Brook, Montville, stealing nearly 20 firearms. Martinez was apprehended through coordinated law enforcement initiatives, including electronic surveillance and DNA testing. The incident has heightened concerns about illegal firearms entering the community.
On October 13, 2023, presided over by the Honorable Claudia Jones, J.S.C., Martinez pleaded guilty to the theft. He admitted to driving a stolen vehicle to FSS Armory, breaking into the store with his co-conspirators, and fleeing the scene with the stolen weapons. Martinez will have to serve at least 5 1/2 years before becoming eligible for parole. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State at sentencing.
Another suspect, Leila Acevedo, was charged on September 14, 2023, with conspiracy, burglary, and gun possession. The investigation remains ongoing to identify the three other co-conspirators involved in the theft.
Prosecutor Carroll emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “I am joined by Chief McNally, Chief Caggiano and Sheriff Gannon in stating that the burglary of a firearms store is a priority for all law enforcement as preventing firearms from falling into the hands of criminals is an absolute necessity for protecting our citizens from the later use of stolen deadly weapons to commit other crimes.”
The case was solved with the contributions of Montville Detective Keith Donnelly, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Intelligence Unit, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
The arrest and sentencing mark a significant accomplishment for Morris County law enforcement, yet the search for the remaining suspects continues to be a priority, reflecting the ongoing collaborative efforts to uphold public safety in the community.
