Simon Meza, a 45-year-old Denver resident, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release after being convicted on two counts of bank robbery. The sentencing follows his conviction at trial in September 2025 and a previous guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court records, Meza robbed the Huntington Bank on East Green Valley Ranch Boulevard in Denver on September 20, 2023. He demanded money from the teller before fleeing the scene. Eight days later, he committed another robbery at PNC Bank on West 32nd Avenue, again demanding money from the teller. The cash taken during this second incident included a GPS tracker.
Law enforcement tracked the GPS device to a rented truck near the PNC Bank. When officers attempted to arrest Meza, he led them on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Meza fired a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun at police, striking their vehicle’s front bumper. The chase ended when Meza caused a four-car accident at 44th Avenue and Harlan Street in Wheat Ridge. He then fled on foot but was apprehended by Denver Police officers who recovered both the stolen money and loaded firearm from the 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 sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by 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
