David Sartin Jr., a convicted bank robber, is accused of robbing two Florida banks while wearing a prosthetic “old man” mask, according to federal authorities. Investigators say the August and September 2026 holdups involved a disguise and Toyota vehicle linked to his earlier Texas robberies. Sartin, who was on supervised release, faces two federal bank robbery charges and remains accused unless proven guilty.
The investigation began after a robbery at Valley Bank in Largo and continued following a similar incident at Truist Bank in St. Petersburg weeks later. Evidence cited by investigators includes surveillance footage, clothing, a bicycle, masks and a vehicle allegedly connected to the crimes.
| 1) | The alleged Florida robbery pattern |
| 2) | The Largo bank holdup |
| 3) | The St. Petersburg robbery |
| 4) | Evidence and arrest |
| 5) | Earlier convictions and potential penalties |
The alleged Florida robbery pattern
Federal investigators allege that David Sartin Jr., 40, of St. Petersburg, used a prosthetic mask with gray facial hair during two bank robberies in Florida. The first incident occurred on Aug. 24, 2026, at Valley Bank in Largo, and the second occurred on Sept. 15 at a Truist Bank in St. Petersburg. Authorities say the repeated use of an elderly disguise resembled the method attributed to Sartin in earlier Texas bank robberies.
The alleged crimes occurred after Sartin began supervised release in May 2025 following a federal prison sentence. An FBI agent wrote in an affidavit that Sartin used a mask in all of his alleged bank robberies. The authorities’ case relies on similarities in the disguise, transportation and clothing, along with surveillance evidence gathered after the Florida incidents.
The Largo bank holdup
Investigators say the Largo suspect entered Valley Bank wearing a straw hat, sports jacket, gloves and a prosthetic face covering. He allegedly approached a teller, demanded money and warned the employee not to include dye packs. A bank manager told investigators that the robber repeatedly urged the teller to hurry while a silent alarm was activated.
The suspect allegedly left with $2,900 after placing a yellow wet-floor sign between the exit doors. Authorities say he went toward a nearby church, retrieved a bicycle, rode into a nature preserve and later departed in a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Video from nearby businesses, city vehicles, a police cruiser and a school bus was used to trace the vehicle’s movements, according to the affidavit.
“Until we meet again,” the suspect allegedly said after collecting the money, according to the bank manager’s account.
The St. Petersburg robbery
On Sept. 15, investigators say a similarly disguised man entered the Truist Bank in St. Petersburg wearing a flat cap, glasses, a sports jacket and an “old man” mask with a gray mustache and whiskers. He allegedly handed a teller a note demanding cash without dye and escaped with approximately $2,554.
The teller told investigators that the suspect appeared to be wearing a mask and did not move like an elderly man. By that point, the FBI was monitoring Sartin’s home with a surveillance camera. Authorities say video showed the Toyota leaving before the robbery and returning afterward, with a man resembling Sartin unloading a bicycle.
Evidence and arrest
Investigators say they watched Sartin alter the Toyota’s appearance the evening after the second robbery by spray-painting its white roof black. The vehicle was allegedly the same Toyota used in several earlier Texas robberies. Sartin was arrested on Sept. 19 on a warrant alleging a supervised-release violation.
Searches reportedly uncovered a bicycle and clothing similar to items shown in robbery surveillance footage. Agents searching a storage unit found a prosthetic “old man” mask, glasses, clothing and a fake handgun. Investigators also found another mask and a journal in a guest room where Sartin sometimes stayed. The complaint says the journal’s title page described its author as a bank robber.
Earlier convictions and potential penalties
David Sartin Jr. was convicted of attempted bank robbery in Mississippi in 2008 after a failed holdup involving Halloween masks and disguises. In 2018, he received a sentence of 10 years and one month in federal prison in a case involving five Texas bank robberies. Authorities say a similar disguise and the same Toyota were associated with those crimes.
The new federal case charges Sartin with two bank robberies. If convicted, he could receive up to 20 years in prison on each count, according to federal prosecutors in Florida. The charges are allegations, and the government must prove them in court.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two Florida banks were allegedly robbed on Aug. 24 and Sept. 15, 2026. |
| 2 | Investigators say the suspect wore a prosthetic elderly disguise. |
| 3 | Authorities linked the alleged robber to a bicycle and a Toyota FJ Cruiser. |
| 4 | A storage-unit search recovered masks, clothing, glasses and a fake handgun. |
| 5 | Sartin faces up to 20 years in prison on each robbery count if convicted. |
Summary
Federal authorities allege that a previously convicted bank robber returned to a familiar method after moving to supervised release. The Florida investigation centers on two bank robberies, a prosthetic elderly disguise, a bicycle and a Toyota associated with earlier crimes. Prosecutors must still establish the allegations in court, where Sartin is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is charged in the case?
David Sartin Jr., 40, of St. Petersburg, is charged with two federal bank robbery counts.
When and where did the alleged robberies occur?
The first allegedly occurred on Aug. 24, 2026, at Valley Bank in Largo. The second allegedly occurred on Sept. 15 at Truist Bank in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What disguise did investigators describe?
Authorities described a prosthetic “old man” mask with gray facial hair, along with glasses, hats, a sports jacket and gloves.
What penalties could Sartin face?
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the two robbery counts.
