The FBI announced on Tuesday that three minors have been arrested in connection with a bank robbery in Houston, Texas.
The boys, aged 11, 12, and 16, have been dubbed “little rascals” by the agency. “All three bank robbery suspects known as the ‘little rascals’ are in custody,” the agency stated on its social media platform.
Authorities did not disclose further details about the boys’ identities due to their status as juveniles.
On March 14, the agency alleged in a post on social media that the trio had robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Houston.
According to ABC 13, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the case, reported that the boys entered the bank and presented a threatening note to a teller. Although suspected of carrying a weapon, the boys did not display one. The amount of cash they fled with was not disclosed.
The FBI stated that the suspects fled the scene on foot and released photos of them in its March 14 announcement.
Two of the suspects were turned in by their parents, who recognized them from the FBI’s released photos, as reported by KIAH.
Experts have expressed surprise at the suspects’ young ages.
“The age of the younger two, that’s unusual for a bank robbery,” retired juvenile district court judge Mike Schneider told ABC13. “It’s one of the first times I’ve seen that.”
Schneider also suggested the possibility of an adult involvement in the alleged crime.
“Because kids have a punishment that is less severe, it is not uncommon for adult offenders to get them to commit crimes,” he explained.
The boys have been charged with robbery by threat, according to FBI Houston. It remains unclear whether they are being held in a juvenile facility, or if they have entered pleas or retained attorneys.
If convicted, they could face probation until they turn 18 or juvenile prison until they reach 19, a criminal defense attorney informed ABC 13.
