Woman suspected in bank heist

A Chula Vista woman is facing a Sept. 28 preliminary hearing on a charge of robbing the California Coast Credit Union at 286 East H Street.

Sarah Monique Martinez, 33, is also charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale in the July 30 incident. She is also accused of committing another robbery on July 1.

Chula Vista Police said a woman entered the bank around 1:48 p.m. July 30 and waited in line to see a teller. When she reached the teller, she presented a demand note for money.

The teller gave her money from the cash drawer, and the robber fled. No weapons were seen. Officers interviewed witnesses and viewed surveillance camera footage.
An officer spotted Martinez around 4:30 p.m. later that same day in the 600 block of Broadway and detained her. Martinez admitted to being at the bank earlier and police said they found evidence linking her to the robbery.

Martinez has pleaded not guilty to all charges in Chula Vista Superior Court. Her bail was increased to $130,000 on Aug. 3 by Judge Patricia Garcia, and she remains in the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility.