St. Petersburg, Florida — A Florida man previously sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for bank robberies is facing new allegations after investigators linked him to two recent Florida bank heists involving an elderly-man disguise, according to federal prosecutors.
David Sartin Jr., 40, of St. Petersburg, was arrested after allegedly robbing banks in Largo on August 24 and in his hometown on September 15. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said Sartin allegedly wore a prosthetic mask resembling an older man during both robberies.
The case has drawn attention because prosecutors say the alleged method closely resembles robberies Sartin was convicted of committing in Texas in 2016.
Two Florida Banks Targeted Within Weeks
According to the criminal complaint, Sartin allegedly approached the teller counter during both incidents while wearing an elderly-man disguise and demanding money without dye packs.
During the August 24 robbery in Largo, investigators said Sartin first arrived at a nearby gas station and drove around the surrounding area. He then reportedly parked his vehicle, switched to a bicycle and approached the bank.
After demanding cash, the suspect allegedly escaped with $2,900. The complaint states that he made an unusual remark to the teller: “until we meet again.”
Investigators alleged that he left on the bicycle before returning to his vehicle and speeding away.
The second robbery reportedly occurred in St. Petersburg on September 15. According to the criminal complaint, the suspect obtained another $2,554.
Together, the two alleged robberies involved $5,454 in stolen money, according to the amounts detailed in the complaint.
Surveillance Footage Helped Investigators
Federal investigators examined surveillance footage and other evidence while investigating the two incidents.
According to prosecutors, video showed a vehicle leaving Sartin’s home before the second robbery and returning sometime afterward. A white man resembling the suspected robber was allegedly captured unloading a bicycle.
Investigators also reported seeing Sartin spray-paint the vehicle’s white roof black the following day.
Authorities later searched Sartin’s home and allegedly found a bicycle, a blue suit and a black bag resembling items connected to the first robbery.
The search extended to a storage unit, where investigators reportedly discovered a backpack and laptop bag containing items captured in surveillance footage. These included disguise materials, an elderly-man prosthetic mask with gray facial hair, dark-framed glasses and work gloves marked with black paint.
A fake handgun and clothing consistent with the alleged disguise were also found in the bags, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Investigators Find Another Mask and a Journal
Investigators also searched another property where Sartin occasionally stayed.
According to prosecutors, they found a different prosthetic mask and a journal attributed to Sartin and dated 2021. The journal carried the title “God’s Best friend is a Bank Robber! Uncle Henry Cops and Robbers the world through the eyes of a Bank Robber.”
One page reportedly contained a drawing of a character holding up a mask alongside the handwritten phrase, “My face holding up uncle Henry, looking at it, Face to Face.”
The journal and disguise materials were among the items investigators described in connection with the case. Their significance will depend on the evidence presented during the legal proceedings.
Earlier Texas Robberies Led to a Federal Prison Sentence
The Florida allegations are not Sartin’s first federal bank robbery case.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sartin was convicted in 2018 in connection with five bank robberies committed in Texas in 2016. Prosecutors said he wore a similar elderly-man mask during those robberies and used the same getaway vehicle allegedly involved in the recent Florida incidents.
He was sentenced to a little more than 10 years in federal prison.
Sartin was also convicted in federal court in 2008 of attempted bank robbery. In that case, he and a co-conspirator allegedly tried to rob a bank while wearing Halloween masks and disguises.
At the time of the two alleged Florida robberies, Sartin was on supervised release connected to his earlier federal conviction, according to prosecutors.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The latest allegations could have significant legal consequences because they involve alleged repeat offenses while Sartin was on supervised release.
Investigators have cited surveillance footage, items recovered during searches and similarities to the earlier Texas robberies as part of their case. However, criminal allegations must be established through the legal process, and an arrest does not by itself establish guilt.
Further court proceedings are expected to address the allegations and the evidence gathered by federal investigators.
What stands out most to you about this case — the alleged return to bank robberies after a lengthy prison sentence or the disguises investigators say they recovered? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
