Simon Meza, a 45-year-old Denver resident, was convicted by a federal jury on two counts of bank robbery, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Meza had previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition related to the same case.
On September 20, 2023, Meza entered the Huntington Bank at 18520 E. Green Valley Ranch Blvd in Denver and robbed the bank by demanding money from a teller before fleeing with the cash. Eight days later, on September 28, 2023, he robbed another bank—PNC Bank on West 32nd Avenue—again demanding money from a teller and escaping with funds that included a GPS tracker.
Law enforcement used the GPS device to locate Meza in a rented truck near the second bank. When Denver Police officers attempted to arrest him, Meza led them on a high-speed chase that ended in Wheat Ridge at 44th Avenue and Harlan Street with a four-car accident. After fleeing on foot, Meza was apprehended by police. Officers recovered both the stolen money and a loaded Glock 27 .40 caliber firearm from the vehicle. Sentencing is scheduled for November.
United States District Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the trial.
The FBI Denver Field Office, Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, and Denver Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Dunn and Thomas Minser prosecuted.
“
