Convicted Bank Robber Arrested Again After Allegedly Wearing an ‘Old Man’ Mask in Florida Heists

A Florida man previously sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison is facing new bank robbery charges after investigators say he returned to his old ways — allegedly disguising himself as an elderly man to target two banks nearly 10 years after his earlier crimes.

David Sartin Jr., 40, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was charged with two counts of bank robbery following incidents in Largo on August 24 and St. Petersburg on September 15, 2026, according to federal authorities. Investigators allege that he wore a prosthetic mask featuring gray facial hair, along with glasses and other clothing designed to conceal his identity.

During the first robbery, the suspect allegedly escaped with $2,900 after demanding cash from a bank teller and instructing the employee not to include dye packs. He reportedly fled on a bicycle before making his way to a getaway vehicle. Weeks later, authorities say a similarly disguised suspect struck another bank, taking approximately $2,554.

The investigation reportedly uncovered a collection of items that authorities believe connected Sartin to the robberies. Searches of a storage unit and properties associated with him allegedly turned up masks, clothing matching surveillance footage, a bicycle, bags and a fake handgun. Investigators also reported observing him spray-painting the roof of a vehicle after the second incident.

What makes the case particularly striking is Sartin’s criminal history. Federal authorities say he was convicted in 2018 for five bank robberies committed in Texas in 2016, during which he wore a similar disguise and used the same vehicle associated with the recent Florida incidents. He received a sentence of 10 years and one month in federal prison and was on supervised release when the latest alleged robberies occurred. He had also been convicted of attempted bank robbery in 2008.

Sartin now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the two new charges if convicted. The case remains a reminder that investigators can use surveillance footage, physical evidence and previous criminal investigations to connect seemingly separate incidents. For now, the allegations must be resolved through the legal process.

Source: New York Post