David Sartin Jr, a 40-year-old from St Petersburg, Florida, has been arrested for allegedly robbing two banks while wearing a prosthetic "old man" mask earlier this year. The US Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida accuses him of committing the crimes at a bank in Largo on August 24 and in his hometown on September 15.
Robberies and Getaway
In the first incident, investigators said Sartin stole $2,900 (£2,166) before cryptically telling staff "until we meet again" and fleeing on a bicycle, then in his car. In the second incident, he allegedly made off with $2,554 (£1,908).
Authorities recovered a backpack and a laptop bag containing the "old man" mask, along with a cap and dark-framed glasses, from Sartin's storage unit. They also found a fake handgun and clothing matching his appearance during the first robbery, according to the Attorney's Office.
Evidence and Prior Convictions
A bike, a blue suit, and a black bag resembling items used in the August robbery were found at his main residence. A journal discovered at a property where Sartin occasionally stayed was titled: "God's Best friend is a Bank Robber! Uncle Henry Cops and Robbers the world through the eyes of a Bank Robber."
The journal, dated January 2021, included a drawing of a person holding up a mask, alongside the handwritten phrase: "My face holding up uncle Henry, looking at it, Face to Face."
Sartin was previously convicted for bank robberies in a similar "old man" mask in 2016. He was on supervised release for a federal conviction in 2018 linked to five bank heists a decade ago when the recent robberies took place. He was also convicted of attempted bank robbery in 2008 after trying to rob a bank in Halloween disguises with a co-conspirator.
He was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison this week.
