Simon Meza, a 45-year-old Denver resident, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his conviction on two counts of bank robbery. The sentencing comes after a trial in September 2025. Meza also previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition related to the same case.
Court records show that on September 20, 2023, Meza robbed the Huntington Bank located at 18520 E. Green Valley Ranch Blvd in Denver by demanding money from a teller before fleeing with the cash. Eight days later, he committed another robbery at PNC Bank on West 32nd Avenue using similar tactics. During this second incident, the stolen money included a GPS tracker that enabled law enforcement officers to quickly locate Meza as he traveled nearby in a rented truck.
When Denver Police attempted to arrest him, Meza led them on a high-speed chase during which he fired his Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun at pursuing officers, striking their vehicle’s front bumper. The pursuit ended after Meza caused a four-car collision at the intersection of 44th Avenue and Harlan Street in Wheat Ridge. He then fled on foot but was apprehended by police who recovered both the stolen money and loaded firearm from his truck.
“This conviction and sentence should send a clear message to anyone considering robbing a bank in Colorado,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Bank robbery is a serious crime with serious penalties that you will pay. Colorado is safer with this repeat offender serving a lengthy sentence in federal prison.”
Marvin Massey, Acting Special Agent In Charge of FBI Denver, commented: “Here we have a previous offender who could have taken advantage of state and federal opportunities to rehabilitate himself. Instead, he robbed two banks and fired on the officer who gave chase when he fled. Clearly the community is safer with this defendant back behind bars. The FBI Denver Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task force will continue to work with our local partners to get violent offenders like this off the streets.”
United States District Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the sentencing hearing.
The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI Denver Field Office, Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, and Denver Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Dunn and Thomas Minser prosecuted the case.
Case Number: 1:23-cr-00446-RMR
