TAMPA, FL. (September 18, 2024) — Tampa Police have arrested 42-year-old Maria Montesino (Hispanic female 08/20/1982), who robbed the Grow Financial Federal Credit Union located in the 1700 block of N Oregon Ave. on September 17, 2024.
At approximately 2:34 p.m., Montesino entered Grow Financial and demanded money from the teller, stating that a man, who was outside, instructed her to commit the robbery. She also claimed that the man was in possession of a bomb that would be discharged if they did not give her the money. In fear for her life, the teller provided Montesino with the funds and Montesino immediately fled the scene.
After gathering evidence and developing leads, detectives quickly located Montesino at a nearby apartment complex, where she was taken into custody just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
In their investigation, detectives did not locate any evidence that supported Montesino’s allegation of another person being involved or armed with an explosive device.
Montesino was taken to Orient Road Jail and charged with three felonies: Robbery $750 or More But Less Than $20,000; False Report Bomb, Explosive, or Weapon of Mass Destruction; Threatening to Discharge Destructive Device.