Picture this: you’re walking through your local Target, grabbing last-minute holiday gifts, when you notice someone acting strangely near the electronics section. Maybe they’re stuffing items into a bag, or switching price tags when they think nobody’s looking. You might hesitate to say something, wondering if you’re just being paranoid. But what you’re witnessing could be the kind of theft that lands someone behind bars – and in some cases, leads to additional charges even after they’re already locked up.
That’s exactly what happened in Ontario County, where an inmate already serving time is now facing fresh consequences for allegedly stealing from a Victor Target store months ago. The case highlights how law enforcement continues investigating crimes even when suspects are already in custody, ensuring that justice catches up with every alleged offense.
This latest development shows how the wheels of justice keep turning, even when someone thinks they might have escaped accountability for past actions. For Jose Alexis Gonzales Martinez, 38, of Rochester, those wheels have caught up with him in a big way.
When Past Actions Come Back to Haunt You
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has filed a new petit larceny charge against Martinez, stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred at the Target store in Victor on December 20, 2025. What makes this case particularly interesting is that Martinez was already sitting in the Ontario County Jail when deputies arrested him again on February 14 at 12:12 p.m.
“Even when someone is already in custody, our investigations continue,” explains a local law enforcement expert. “We don’t just forget about unsolved cases because the suspect is behind bars for something else.”
The timing tells a story that many people don’t realize about how criminal investigations actually work. Just because someone gets arrested for one crime doesn’t mean other cases disappear. Detectives continue following leads, reviewing security footage, and building cases that can take weeks or months to complete.
Martinez currently remains held at the Ontario County Jail on those unrelated theft charges that originally landed him behind bars. Now he’s facing additional legal consequences that could extend his time in custody or add to his criminal record.
Breaking Down the Legal Details
The specifics of this case reveal important information about how larceny charges work and what happens when someone faces multiple theft allegations. Here’s what we know about Martinez’s current legal situation:
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Jose Alexis Gonzales Martinez, 38 |
| Current Status | Held at Ontario County Jail |
| New Charge Date | February 14, 2026 at 12:12 p.m. |
| Alleged Crime Date | December 20, 2025 |
| Location | Target Store, Town of Victor |
| Investigating Officer | Deputy T. Herendeen |
| Court Appearance | CAP Court (date to be determined) |
The investigation was handled by Deputy T. Herendeen, who presumably spent considerable time gathering evidence to support the petit larceny charge. This type of investigation often involves:
- Reviewing security camera footage from the store
- Interviewing witnesses and store employees
- Analyzing any physical evidence left behind
- Coordinating with the store’s loss prevention team
- Building a timeline of events
“Retail theft investigations can be complex, especially when they involve reviewing hours of security footage,” notes a former police detective familiar with such cases. “But stores like Target have sophisticated loss prevention systems that make our job easier.”
The Ripple Effects for Local Communities
When someone faces an ontario inmate larceny charge like this, it affects more than just the individual involved. Local communities, businesses, and taxpayers all feel the impact in different ways.
For Target and other retailers in the Victor area, this case represents both vindication and ongoing concern. Retail theft costs businesses billions of dollars annually, and those costs eventually get passed on to consumers through higher prices. When law enforcement successfully prosecutes these cases, it sends a message that theft won’t be tolerated.
The Ontario County Jail system also bears additional costs when inmates face new charges while already in custody. Court appearances, legal proceedings, and extended incarceration time all require resources that come from taxpayer funds.
“Every additional charge means more court time, more paperwork, and more resources devoted to that individual case,” explains a court administrator. “But it’s necessary to ensure that all crimes are properly addressed.”
Local residents benefit when repeat offenders face consequences for all their alleged crimes, not just the ones that initially landed them in jail. This comprehensive approach to law enforcement helps deter future crimes and provides closure for businesses and communities affected by theft.
The case also highlights the importance of store security systems and the partnership between retailers and law enforcement. When businesses invest in good security cameras and loss prevention programs, it makes investigations like this one much more likely to succeed.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
Martinez will eventually appear in CAP Court to face the petit larceny charge, though officials haven’t announced a specific date yet. This court appearance will be separate from any proceedings related to the unrelated theft charges that are already keeping him in jail.
During the court process, Martinez will have the opportunity to enter a plea and potentially work with an attorney to address the charges. Depending on his criminal history and the specifics of the alleged crime, he could face various penalties if convicted.
“Petit larceny might sound minor, but it’s still a criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record,” warns a local defense attorney. “When you’re already facing other charges, additional convictions can significantly impact sentencing.”
The prosecution will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Martinez committed the alleged theft at Target on December 20. This burden of proof requires presenting evidence that clearly shows Martinez took merchandise without paying for it and intended to permanently deprive the store of that property.
For the broader community, this case serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies continue working on cases even when suspects are already in custody. Cold cases don’t stay cold forever, and investigators like Deputy Herendeen keep pushing forward until they can bring all alleged crimes to light.
FAQs
What is petit larceny in New York State?
Petit larceny is stealing property worth less than $1,000, classified as a Class A misdemeanor that can result in up to one year in jail.
Can someone be charged with new crimes while already in jail?
Yes, law enforcement can file additional charges against inmates for crimes they allegedly committed before or during their incarceration.
Why did it take almost two months to file charges for the December incident?
Criminal investigations take time to complete, especially when they involve reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and building a solid case.
What is CAP Court?
CAP Court typically refers to a local court that handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for more serious charges.
Will these new charges affect Martinez’s current jail sentence?
If convicted, the new charges could result in additional jail time that runs either concurrently with or consecutively to his current sentence.
How common are retail theft cases like this one?
Retail theft is extremely common, with stores like Target reporting thousands of incidents annually across their locations nationwide.
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