A convicted bank robber from St. Petersburg, David Sartin Jr., allegedly resumed using a familiar disguise to rob two Florida banks while on supervised release, according to federal authorities. Sartin, age 40, faces two counts of bank robbery after reportedly targeting banks weeks apart, using a prosthetic ‘old man’ mask with gray facial hair to hide his identity. Investigators noted he fled using the same vehicle linked to previous crimes.
Sartin’s Criminal History
Sartin had previously been sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for five Texas bank robberies, during which he also used a similar disguise. A criminal complaint provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida, detailed these allegations.
On supervised release since May 2025, authorities claim Sartin executed his first new bank robbery in August 2026. His pattern of wearing a mask during robberies was documented in affidavits by an FBI special agent.
Details of the Florida Heists
The first of the two recent heists occurred on August 24 at Valley Bank in Largo. The suspect entered the bank wearing a straw hat, sports jacket, gloves, and a prosthetic mask. According to the complaint, he approached a teller, demanding money and warning against dye packs. He escaped with $2,900, using a bike to reach a getaway vehicle, maintaining a connection to his earlier criminal methods.
The second robbery took place on September 15 at a Truist Bank in St. Petersburg. The suspect wore a flat cap, glasses, sports jacket, and a mask resembling an old man. The robber issued a written demand for dye-free cash, escaping with around $2,554. A teller suspected him of wearing a mask due to his movements.
Investigations and Evidence
During the investigation, authorities installed surveillance to monitor Sartin’s residence. They observed a Toyota—linked to his past crimes—leaving before and returning after the second robbery. Video evidence showed hands concealing a bicycle post-robbery. Sartin altered the Toyota’s appearance by spray-painting the roof black.
Authorities arrested Sartin on September 19 on charges of violating his supervised release. They discovered a bicycle and clothing seen in the heist footage during a search. They also found a journal declaring, “God’s Best friend is a Bank Robber!” in a room Sartin occasionally occupied.
Legal Consequences
Sartin’s previous criminal activities include a 2008 conviction for attempted bank robbery in Mississippi, involving disguises like Halloween masks. In 2018, he received a 10-year federal sentence for bank robberies in Texas. If convicted on the new charges, Sartin faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.
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