Ronnie Montsdeoca Gets 20 Years for Bank Heist Spree

Armed and relentless, Ronnie Montsdeoca, 59, of Jupiter, Florida, terrorized banks across Palm Beach and Martin Counties in 2017 and 2018—until the feds caught up. Now, he’s locked down for 240 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery.

The string of raids began April 21, 2017, when Montsdeoca stormed a TD Bank in Jupiter, using intimidation to seize cash. He struck again on August 27, 2018, at a Wells Fargo in West Palm Beach, then doubled down on September 10, 2018—robbing a TD Bank in Stuart and attempting a hit on a Bank United in Hobe Sound the same day. Each time, he walked out with stacks of money, totaling over $37,000 taken from FDIC-insured institutions.

U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks showed no leniency, slapping Montsdeoca with the full 20-year sentence plus three years of supervised release. The court also ordered him to repay $37,000 in restitution—a sum cold comfort to the banks and frightened employees caught in his spree.

The takedown was a joint effort. FBI Miami, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and Jupiter Police swarmed the case, piecing together evidence that left Montsdeoca no room to run. State and federal prosecutors, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McMichael and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hudock, built a case that crushed any hope of a reduced charge.

U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan, flanked by top law enforcement brass from across South Florida, announced the sentencing with grim satisfaction. She credited the FBI and local agencies for their relentless pursuit, while also thanking the State Attorney’s Offices of Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties for their coordination in closing the case.

Court records, including the superseding indictment and plea admissions, are public through the Southern District of Florida’s website at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. For victims and investigators alike, the verdict marks the end of a violent chapter—and a warning to others who think Florida’s banks are easy prey.