Federal Judge Orders Release, Then Pauses It, in Lane County Burglary Case
A federal judge in Eugene ruled that a 27 year old defendant accused of joining a multi state burglary crew should be released under electronic monitoring, though the release was stayed pending the government's appeal. The decision, tied to alleged burglaries that targeted Asian households and resulted in more than sixty thousand dollars in losses in Eugene, raises questions about community safety and how courts weigh flight risk against detention.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 a federal judge in Eugene set bail for 27 year old Darinson Martinez Grandas and ordered release under electronic monitoring, but also stayed that release while the government pursues an appeal. Prosecutors had urged that Martinez Grandas remain detained, arguing the alleged crimes posed a serious risk to community safety.
Federal charging documents say Martinez Grandas is one of seven people accused of operating a multi state burglary crew that traveled between cities, lodged in Airbnbs, and targeted Asian households while occupants were at work. Investigators described the group using multiple vehicles, encrypted group chats on WhatsApp, Wi Fi jammers, and surveillance tactics to select and approach targets. The federal filings tie three burglaries to the crew in early October in Auburn, Washington; Salem; and Eugene where investigators say more than sixty thousand dollars in cash and valuables were taken.
Prosecutors told the court the pattern of conduct created a loss of safety for Asian community members in Eugene and across the region. The government argued that the coordination, travel between states, and use of technological tools increased the risk the defendants could flee or reoffend if released. The judge reviewed those concerns but determined Martinez Grandas did not present a serious flight risk, noting other suspects tried to flee Eugene while he remained in the area.
The court record shows Martinez Grandas has no prior criminal history and has family ties, factors the judge cited in setting conditions for release. The judge ordered that if released he must be electronically monitored and stay with his girlfriend in Los Angeles pending the appeal. At the same time the judge granted the government a stay of the release order while it pursues appellate review. An arraignment for Martinez Grandas is scheduled for December 3.
For Lane County residents the case underscores tensions at the intersection of federal prosecution tactics, local safety, and court discretion. The allegations of targeted burglaries against a specific ethnic community raise concerns about victim outreach and culturally sensitive policing. The reported use of encrypted messaging and counter surveillance devices complicates investigations and suggests a need for stronger coordination between federal authorities, county law enforcement, and community organizations.
Policy implications include possible calls for more resources for investigations of organized property crime that crosses jurisdictions, scrutiny of short term rental platforms following reports that suspects stayed in Airbnbs, and increased community education about preventive measures against surveillance and theft. With the government appealing the bail decision, the legal status of Martinez Grandas remains unresolved, and local leaders and residents will be watching how federal prosecutors and the courts balance individual liberty with public safety.
