Laredo resident convicted of bank robbery and firearm purchase with stolen funds

A 42-year-old Laredo resident, Arturo Limon II, has been found guilty of bank robbery by a federal judge, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The verdict was delivered by U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana after a one-day bench trial. Limon was convicted on four charges: two counts of bank robbery, one count of bank theft, and one count of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.

The court was presented with details of the events on April 27, 2024, when Limon entered Falcon International Bank on 10511 McPherson Road, demanding money from bank tellers. He used an empty camouflage backpack during the robbery, which he later filled with a substantial sum of cash from the teller's drawer. After leaving the bank, he fled the scene in a blue Ford Mustang.

Authorities quickly responded, examining bank surveillance footage and issuing an alert for a suspect matching Limon's description. On the same day, Limon visited Arena Gun Club, again carrying the green camouflage backpack. There, he attempted to purchase firearms using a large sum of cash, abandoning the transaction when staff initiated mandatory background checks. Employees informed law enforcement of his suspicious activities.

During the trial, evidence was presented that Limon had provided false information about his residential address on paperwork required for purchasing firearms at the gun club, where he aimed to buy five pistols and one rifle.

Officials apprehended Limon at his home as he returned in the blue Mustang. Upon his arrest, marked currency was discovered inside his vehicle along with the camouflage backpack.

Judge Saldana will announce Limon’s sentencing at a future date, where he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential $250,000 fine. Limon remains in custody until the sentencing hearing. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Cortez and Mike Makens.