James David Trujillo Jr., Bank Robbery, Lakewood CO, 2023

Lakewood, CO – James David Trujillo Jr., 25, is facing a long stretch in federal prison after a jury slammed him with convictions for the June 15, 2022, robbery of a Canvas Credit Union. Trujillo and his accomplice stormed the bank armed with an AR-15 assault rifle and a shotgun, terrorizing tellers and bystanders. The feds say this wasn’t just about money; it was a brazen display of violence that left a mark on the community.

The five-day trial, overseen by Judge Christine M. Arguello, laid out a clear case against Trujillo. Prosecutors presented evidence linking him directly to the heist, proving he was one of the masked gunmen who made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. The jury didn’t waste time, returning a guilty verdict on all counts – bank robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a weapon during a violent crime. Trujillo’s prior criminal history played a significant role, making the weapons charge particularly damning.

The break in the case came quickly after the robbery, with the arrest of Darren Michael Connolly the very next day. Connolly, conveniently sporting a GPS bracelet from a previous offense, led investigators to Trujillo. The FBI’s Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force spearheaded the investigation, meticulously piecing together evidence to identify and apprehend both men. The task force isn’t celebrating, though. They see bank robbery as a serious threat, one that demands swift and decisive action.

Federal prosecutors, Brian Dunn and Kristin Coccaro, built a solid case, hammering home the severity of the crime and the danger posed by armed bank robbers. They emphasized that these aren’t victimless crimes, and the psychological impact on bank employees and customers can be devastating. The courtroom wasn’t filled with sympathy for Trujillo; the mood was one of grim satisfaction that a dangerous individual was being held accountable.

Connolly, Trujillo’s partner in crime, already copped a plea deal on February 28, 2023, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2023 – just one day after Trujillo’s sentencing on July 17, 2023. Both men now face substantial prison time. The feds are hoping this sends a clear message to anyone considering a similar path: armed robbery won’t pay, and you *will* be caught.

This case is part of the broader “Project Safe Neighborhoods” initiative, a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime by targeting repeat offenders and disrupting criminal networks. The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force continues to investigate other potential leads, and they’re urging anyone with information about criminal activity to come forward. Contact the FBI Denver Field Office if you have information related to this or other crimes.