FBI nab ‘Little Rascals’ gang who robbed bank – aged 11, 12 and 16

Three boys, nicknamed the 'little rascals,' were apprehended after the FBI circulated images of them robbing a Wells Fargo bank in Texas on social media.

The boys, aged 11, 12, and 16, carried out the robbery during their spring break holidays on March 14 at a Wells Fargo bank in Houston. One of the boys passed a threatening note to a bank teller, and they fled the scene on foot with a sum of money. Although the boys were suspected of having a weapon, none was displayed during the incident.

Their lack of discretion became apparent as they did not cover their faces or attempt to conceal their identities, leading to the FBI posting images captured by the bank's CCTV cameras on social media, urging anyone with information about their identities to contact law enforcement.

Online reactions to the boys' young appearance ranged from surprise to jest, with some questioning how such young individuals could carry out a bank robbery.

Following the FBI's post, two of the boys were identified by their parents, and law enforcement located the third boy. A weapon was recovered during the investigation.

The boys were subsequently taken into custody and charged with robbery by threat. Their identities remain undisclosed due to their status as juveniles.

In Texas, individuals aged 10 to 17 are considered juveniles, and their legal proceedings differ from those of adults.

Juvenile district court judge Mike Schneider mentioned the possibility of an adult involvement in the crime, highlighting that adult offenders may coerce minors to commit crimes due to the lesser penalties associated with juvenile convictions.

The police have not confirmed whether the boys acted alone, and if convicted, they could face penalties such as probation until they are 18 or detention in a juvenile facility until they turn 19.