A St. Petersburg man is facing serious legal ramifications after being charged with two bank robberies in Florida, allegedly while donning an “old man” disguise. David Sartin Jr., 40, could potentially receive a prison sentence of up to 40 years if he is found guilty, according to the US Department of Justice.
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Sartin, who was on supervised release following a previous bank robbery conviction, is accused of robbing a bank in Largo on August 24, followed by another robbery in St. Petersburg on September 15. The incidents were detailed in a recent press release from the Department of Justice, which described Sartin as having a history of bank robbery offences.
During the robberies, Sartin allegedly wore a prosthetic mask designed to make him appear elderly; complete with grey facial hair, an English cap, and glasses. Reports indicate he approached bank tellers at both locations and demanded cash, explicitly instructing them not to include any dye packs in the money dispensed.
The investigations into the robberies involved collaboration between the Largo Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the FBI. Their efforts uncovered a series of incriminating details. Prior to committing the first robbery, Sartin reportedly parked his vehicle, switched to a bicycle, and approached the bank on foot. He then escaped on the bicycle before switching back to his car, which was observed heading towards his residence.
Further surveillance revealed the same vehicle leaving Sartin’s home before the second robbery and returning shortly thereafter. Video footage showed an individual resembling Sartin unloading a bicycle upon returning home, which raised suspicions among law enforcement.
When authorities conducted a search of Sartin’s residence, they discovered several items linked to the robberies. These included a bicycle, a blue suit, a black bag, and clothing that matched what he wore during both robberies. Additionally, Sartin’s storage unit was searched, resulting in the seizure of a bag containing the prosthetic mask, glasses, work gloves, and even a replica handgun.
In a rather peculiar turn of events, officers also searched another residence where Sartin frequently stayed and found a journal with an alarming title: “God’s Best friend is a Bank Robber! Uncle Henry Cops and Robbers the world through the eyes of a Bank Robber.” This discovery provides insight into Sartin’s mindset and further implicates him in criminal activity.
Interestingly, Sartin was already on supervised release for a prior federal conviction, stemming from five bank robberies he committed in Texas in 2016. This earlier offence resulted in a ten-year prison sentence. Reports indicate he used a similar disguise during those robberies, thus demonstrating a troubling pattern of behaviour.
In 2008, Sartin was convicted of attempted bank robbery for his involvement in a botched heist where he and an accomplice wore Halloween masks. This longstanding history of bank robbery suggests that Sartin is no stranger to the consequences of his actions.
As law enforcement continues to build their case against him, it remains to be seen what impact Sartin’s previous convictions will have on the potential penalties he faces. The charges filed against him indicate a serious stance taken by the authorities, who are now working to ensure that justice is served in this latest series of criminal activities.
Should Sartin be found guilty, he could be facing a significant portion of his life behind bars—a stark reminder of the repercussions of repeated criminal conduct. The situation serves as a salient warning regarding the dangers of returning to a life of crime, particularly for individuals with previous convictions.