LANCASTER – All charges have been dismissed against Damon Banks, the 28-year-old man accused of robbing three Lancaster restaurants within a two-hour span on June 10, 2012.
At a pre-trial hearing Thursday, prosecutor Thomas Trainor announced he was unable to proceed with the case. A motion to dismiss by Banks’ defense attorney, Stephen King, was then granted.
Family members clapped after the judge’s ruling. Banks choked back tears and clenched his fists as he tightly hugged his mother outside the Antelope Valley courtroom.
“I’m staying as far away from Lancaster as possible,” Banks said to no one in particular.
Minutes later, Banks described how his trip to Lancaster last summer turned his life upside down and nearly cost him his freedom.
“I lost my job, I’m in financial hardship, I lost my place, my fiancée got her car repossessed, my daughter’s school had to be changed… as of right now, I’m a 28-year-old man staying at home with my mother,” Banks said. “I lost my life, my character, my name.”
For Banks, this ordeal began when he drove up to Lancaster from Long Beach on June 9, 2012 on a trip to see his grandmother. He attended a fight party in Lancaster, instead, and postponed plans to see grandma until the following day. On the afternoon of June 10, Banks grabbed a bite to eat at Subway, made his visit to Grandma, and then headed back down the hill to Long Beach.
Between 7 and 9 p.m. on June 10, two armed robbers struck Lancaster and held up Subway, Little Caesars and Wienerschnitzel. (Read more here.) Less than two weeks later, authorities identified Banks as one of the suspects.
“He did go into the Subway, but it was earlier that day,” King said, adding that his client’s fingerprints were at Subway because he’d pushed the door on his way out. “Initially, because he was dressed in the same garments as the person that actually perpetrated the crime, that ended up being enough… unfortunately, when you’re not from a certain ethnic group or racial group, you may think that all Black people look alike.”
Authorities put out a $300,000 arrest warrant for Banks and a second suspect, 27-year-old Lee Vance McQuilkin. The men were placed on a “Most Wanted” list that was circulated to the local media. Banks had no criminal record, so his California Driver’s License photo was used for the list.
When Banks saw his image in the media, he contacted detectives on the case. He drove back to Lancaster on July 3 believing he would clear his name and walk out of the station. Banks was arrested and jailed, instead.
On July 5, Banks pleaded not guilty to several counts of armed robbery. (Read more here.) He said his public defender at the time urged him to admit guilt because his fingerprints were at one of the stores and there were five eyewitnesses.
Banks dropped the public defender and secured a private defense attorney to fight the case.
At a preliminary hearing on August 6, three of the eyewitnesses fingered Banks as the robber, one even said Banks was the gunman. But their stories were inconsistent. The three witnesses gave different accounts of Banks’ clothing, teeth and facial hair. And one witness had been unable to ID Banks in the days following the robbery.
King focused on these inconsistencies but could not get the judge to dismiss the case. (Read more here). Banks was ordered to stand trial on four counts of robbery and faced up to 15 years in prison.
At the time, King said he was waiting on records from cell phone towers, which would prove that Banks had made it all the way back to Long Beach before any of the robberies were committed.
The records were slow to come. Banks sat in county lock-up for seven weeks before his family could gather the money for bail.
By the time he bailed out on August 13, Banks had been fired from his job as a maintenance mechanic in Cerritos. He was deemed a flight risk and ordered to wear an ankle bracelet. The pending case kept him from landing another job and destroyed his morale.
“He was crying, right now Damon can’t sleep, he lost weight,” said his mother Cecilia Duckworth. “He felt like nothing.”
Banks finally caught a break when prosecutors carefully reviewed cell phone and GPS records.
The tower records for Banks’ cell phone showed a hit on a tower in Long Beach around the time the robberies were committed, King said.
King said the prosecutor called him Wednesday and said they had independent forensic evidence that put Banks elsewhere during the crime. The prosecutor said the district attorney’s office would no longer pursue the case.
“I’m happy that the matter has been resolved but I do wish that there was a way to be more diligent with how cases get filed,” King said. “Looking at it from his shoes, it’s like ‘I came all the way up here, I showed you my work records, I showed you everything, you locked me up anyway, you put me through this, then eight months later you say we should have listened.’”
“This is good that this case is dismissed, but how do we recoup from this?” said Duckworth, adding that she drained her savings to assist with her son’s defense.
“I’ve already spent well over $25,000 cash out of my pocket, and I still have to finish paying the bail,” she said. “But I felt like it was a risk to take, because I did not want my son incarcerated for something he did not do.”
With the saga behind him, Banks said he’s hoping to pick up the pieces of his life.
“I really feel bad that this is still going on in 2013, that people are still prejudiced and biased…” Banks said. “I’m seeking some type of justice and retribution for them turning my life upside down and then saying, ‘oh, I made a mistake.’ That’s not even fair.”
Charges were also dismissed against Lee McQuilkin, the second suspect in the case. McQuilkin was released from county jail at 12:17 p.m. Thursday. He had been locked up on armed robbery charges since his arrest on September 20, 2012.
Related articles:
Armed robbery suspect to stand trial
Armed robbery suspect pleads not guilty
Armed robbery suspect arrested
Two sought in armed robberies of three restaurants
–
Jacques smith says
you cant keep a good brother down I still think about what I said to you at work I hope nothing like this will ever happon to you again and even
thought im 43 you did teach me a thing or two good luck damon in life bro
and keep up the good fight your friend Jacques.
I guess says
@ Tim B Racism? Who can really deny it is very much alive and thriving. When an institution such as law enforcement has a systematic approach to addressing specific issues and it fails to implement those same systems for an identified group then there is probable cause to call it racism. For the folks in our society who fail to acknowledge the pain and distress of certain groups is foolish. It seems blacks will forever be judged and persecuted for the acts of a few. What makes one human being better than the next?. If you’re fed up with the usage of the word, racism, then get some ear plugs. You want us to shut up than help bring change.
I guess says
I find it ironic that some of the folks who post statement supporting the av police department are joking about how incompetent the LAPD has been in apprehending Donner. Yet they do such a fine job in the AV.
Gladys says
I never said anything about the LAPD being incompetent regarding Dorner. I did however say that I hope the truth about the racism and unfair treatment that has been reported by numerous LAPD officers for years is uncovered.
The LASD is not the LAPD and they are a totally seperate issue. When they apprehend someone in a visible way or make the news for drug busts and burglary busts, I think they should be recognized.
On the other hand, when the public is told repeatedly “if you see something, say something” and you call the Lancaster Station to report something and the phone answer person puts you through to the desk and the phone rings for over 10 minutes without anyone answering it. (?) We have a problem. I did a 3 way and called back. The station answered the first call as I was finishing up with the second person. I have the proof on my cell phone.
KOUI says
I think the county owes this young man some restitution. I hope he can get it. Especially if the investigation is proved to have been biased, which it seems to have been(Noting the mitigating evidence). Some, (not all) of the sheriff’s deputies I’ve encountered in my 29 years living in the Antelope Valley seem to be lazy in their duties and bigoted. Anyway, I hope someone can find a way to file a viable civil rights lawsuit on his behalf. By the way, I’m a white male, Republican, with no criminal record.
Anna says
If indeed this young man is innocent and not because they could not find enough evidence to convict, then God bless him. But, your comments of how the young black man is harassed by the police in the AV especially in Lancaster is ridiculous. Most crimes are committed by either black or hispanic men. Check the records. Ya Ya Ya it’s the economy they have to support their baby mama’s etc….you have Obama..tell it to him. If the crimes are committed by a certain race, then who would you have the cops look for? white or asian men? perhaps those with one leg? The violence of the crimes are staggering, the computer store man lost his life, a jeweler in Palmdale lost his life and his family lost the business, and you think they should not look for people of color when cameras say they are of this race? I hope this young man lives a good life, becomes productive, and knows that crime does not pay…he looks to be a smart young man and not a thug. But, there are plenty of crooks and thugs in the valley to take his place, are they all innocent?? just because they are not white or asian??
Quigley says
As they say Anna, “you go girl”!!
Valerie says
Anna you cannot say all black ppl are criminals we have white ppl that do crimes here in the av my biggest problem. Is these sheriff’s are so darn raciast so you cannot post and judge every blk man behind the majority of the crimes period
Anna says
Typical! I did not say all black people are criminals, the descriptions of the criminals are listed as such. I do not make this stuff up. I never said every black man is a criminal. I know and work with some amazing loving and outstanding black men. They choose to live the good life and not deal drugs etc.
gary says
anna…you must be white….police in lancaster harass everyone white also…just be young..and there just as many white thugs as black and hispanic….you need to get out more often
Anna says
I’ve lived in this valley for almost 50 years, I do get out every morning at 2am…all over the valley. I am going by what the pictures and public descriptions of the people who commit these crimes. I don’t just come up with this info. I do realize we have a larger group of people living in this valley now, so yes the majority of the crimes will be committed by them. But to say our police are racist is stupid. Yes white folks do commit crimes, but not as much based on the descriptions of the criminals listed. There are people walking on the streets at all hours of the day and night. Drive around this valley at 2am or 3am, it is busy on the streets. We have a large drug problem here in this valley and the police are trying to keep down the robberies and murders associated with this. No one wants the police to do their jobs except when it personally effects them or a family member. I was pulled over at 4:30 am and the officer was very nice to tell me my head light was out, was I in a panic? NO If we do not have anything to hide we have no fear. I hope you never need the police, or EMS services ever….
Scott says
I completely agree with you Anna.
I guess says
@ Anna It’s nice that you didn’t panic when you were stopped by the police during the wee hour of the morning. But, why would you? You’re not out risk of being profiled. It would be even nicer if everyone could feel ask relaxed when a cop pulls up behind them. If so many minorities are afraid or panicky concerning the cops there must be some merit to their perceptions. All you can speak to is your own experiences. Not all cops are bad but what do to call the cops who know there corruption among their peers but do and say nothing. Or you waiting for one of them to confess that some of their actions are motivated by sheer racism. It must nice living in world.
Gladys says
I wonder if Anna would speak so kindly of the police if she was driving a 2005 Nissan Titan truck and the cops opened fire on her. I wonder if she would be smiling then?
Anna says
Well first of all our generation did not start racism, we simply keep it alive. If someone doesn’t feel they were treated well, it’s due to racism. I am the lowest of all minorities, so get off the podium.
Next, if a crazed highly trained ex military nut job regardless of the fact he is of color was gunning for my family or someone I was ordered to protect and a vehicle matching the description came down the street towards me with it’s lights out (which is illegal even for paper boys and girls) I would have probably opened fire as well. This man Dorner was a killing machine, he was quite capable of killing all around him and he did. Tell me again about the police when your young 29 year old daughter was slaughtered…and she was not white…so what does that say? I don’t panic not because of my race, but because I obey the law always and forever. Plus, my windows were a little dark and they did not know my race, I have dark hair, I could have been a latina…Yes, some police are corrupt, racist, and bad same as all people of all color. We are human and make stupid judgements. But, you should do a a ride along with the sheriff and then tell me how you would feel being alone with the crap they put up with..
dontworrybehappy says
Anna,I agree with you 100%. I have done many ride alongs with a traffic deputy and trust me they take some verbal abuse from some of the drivers they pull over. I would say 85% of the traffic stops I had witnessed, I could not have told you if it was a man or women nor the race of the person driving. If you happen to get pulled over and you have nothing to hide, why be worried.
Robbie says
Its a shame AV Sheriffs are the biggest raciest but Anna is old she doesn’t know what she’s talking about
Gladys says
Older people are not stupid or out of touch. Older people can certainly teach you a thing or two about life, respect, and social skills. Something most kids don’t know much about. Maybe in exchange you can teach us how to avoid getting a job, pass a drug test, get workers comp when we want time off paid, pack a bong, and play video ganes!
Gladys says
**games
James Stouvenel says
wow AV News didnt even bother carrying this young man’s story, guess they are on vacation, which is a good thing, usually when people get off the hook from the AV courthouse, they get scoured by that paper. Good thing Damon can rest easy this week, without the drama bull from the media, except theavtimes, which always tell the story, in an accurate fashion!
Raptorman says
Damon, have a great life and don’t let this episode define you. You have the power to define yourself.
Prosecution is about numbers, not about justice or truth. You get good numbers, you get pay advances and the posibility of getting elected DA. It’s a hard thing but its true.
Juries in the AV are notorious for being harsh and the law is a trap designed wait you out and get a plea from the defendant.
There are criminals aplenty. Remember, three places were robbed by 2 black men. Those 2 are every bit as responsible as the prosecutors for putting Damon in the position he was in. The thug culture put a good man in jeopardy with a law enforcement system that seeks easy convictions not truth.
The good majority of black men need combat the minority of the thug culture until it is marginalized and gone.
Letlow says
AMEN!!
sammy P says
makes you wonder how many innocent people are sitting in prison right now who were not lucky enough to have a cell phone tower to prove their innocence.
SMH says
@ Sammy P You are so right. I just want to add, it wasn’t just the cell phone tower records that proved Banks was innocent; it wasn’t Damon Banks in the surveillance photos. This was a known fact from the very start but pride and bias can blind individuals from the truth. Too many questions need to be answered regarding this case. The excuse of error or mistaken identity simply won’t cut it this time. Once it was clear they had arrested the wrong man why try to hold on to this case. Question is, who will be the next victim?
lancer says
lancer Why hold on to the case? Because with the L.A.S.D. and the court system the truth has no relevance to the case whatsoever.If the D.A.thinks he can convict with the evidence the sheriff’s provide you’re screwed.You happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or vaguely resemble the perp.Bend over and get ready.
Anna says
For one thing, a cell tower does not prove he is innocent, just that his phone was….
Kel says
You seem to have alot to say Ms. Anna. Since a cell tower does not prove he is innocent. Can YOU tell me what proves he is GUILTY???
If you have the answer to that question, why don’t you give it to the DA. The DA doesn’t have that answer, that’s why he was not able to proceed! But go right ahead thinking Damon is guilty if you want. Just keep your racist A$$ of anyone’s jury!! SMH… Troll a$$ bigots give me a headache!!
Gladys says
amen
Tim B. says
“racist” is what someone calls you as a last resort when they can’t make a good argument for their side.
Beervana says
Tim B. Your comment about someone using the term “racist” is right up there with the comments certain people make about others being paranoid. Your comment is a lame attempt to discredit another persons opinion.
Smh says
Has anyone read the article covering the Damon Banks case in the av press?
Letlow says
You know what they say when they realize an innocent man just had his life turned upside down?.
“I guess he should have stayed at home that day he was discovered walking down the street and matching the suspects description. Oh well, he appeared to be a dirtbag anyways”. Meanwhile the falsely accused is left to pick up his life, get a new, family, friends, and sense of self worth.
–Taken from the lengthy manifesto of ex LAPD officer Christopher Dorner
http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=42704
I still don’t agree with this man’s actions but DAMN, his comments sure do apply in this situation.
maple says
In the AV you are presumed GUILTY and have the burden to prove your innocence.
Quigley says
Do you honestly think its any different somewhere else? Please share so we can all pack.
maple says
My bags are packed, but haven’t decided where to go yet. I am disillusioned by the AV courts. It is a bit telling that we have the highest conviction rate in California. I encourage citizens to spend some time there and witness the bullying and intimidation that goes on in the court rooms. You would expect the DA to be intimidating, but when the public defender and judge
are threatening and intimidating then there is a real problem. The judge should be fair and impartial. I have witnessed judges bully the defendent. If there is a conviction then they can be harsh and critical.
Gladys says
I agree with Maple 100%. Sometimes as a spectator, the transgression and innuendo makes a person want to stand up and say something. smh
ThugH8R says
Please leave then Miss Mapel, and grab three or four little thugs and take them with you!
Maple says
We all would like to have a safe community to live in and for the thugs to go away. It is a different story when an innocent person is harrassed, bullied, and intimidated by the courts into taking “a deal” for a crime THEY DID NOT COMMMIT.
We would all like to believe that the justice system stands for justice, but like all entities, there is good and bad throughout.
gary says
yes you are presumed guilty….as soon as they stop you
[removed] says
Lets don’t get too excited here. The DA announced “unable to proceed,” not “innocent.” This means the evidence is not there at this particular time to continue. Don’t get me wrong, if this guy is innocent, he should be out of jail. But be honest, the cops didn’t just pull a black man’s name out of a hat, as some idiot below(tired of the bull) suggested. Oh, and the name from the hat just happened to be in Lancaster that day, and oh, just happened to be in Subway that day! Quit your whining about the public defender, you get what you pay for! Gladys: its we taxpayers in the County who pay for them, not the city. It’s a bit telling about you that you are on a first name basis with their office! J.Ripper: Rex is not a prosecutor,nor a cop, and therefore has no business taking credit, nor taking heat for, any change in the crime rate. Let’s review: Lancaster contracts with LASD for police services. Rex is a civil attorney, nothing to do with criminal.
hello says
I agree with this point. It does not say anything about him being innocent. In this country someone is considered innocent till proven guilty.
Sammy says
@[removed] and hello. What a couple of [removed]. “Duh they didn’t say he was innocent”! Of course not you stupid cop groupies. They’re already facing a million dollar civil rights trial here. What this kid has said from the beginning has turned out to be true.
“The tower records for Banks’ cell phone showed a hit on a tower in Long Beach around the time the robberies were committed, King said.”
And a$$ [removed] says it’s the kids fault for being in Lancaster and going to SUBWAY??? Why don’t you just say what you mean you racist pig? “He’s black, so who cares”? “You get what you pay for”??? That’s right! This isn’t America anymore? Only the rich deserve to be considered innocent?
I hope it happens to BOTH OF YOU! You deserve it, just because you’re so willing to turn your backs on a couple of young black men. Douches!
Gladys says
@(removed) due to being inappropriate, I’ve watched a few trials here in the AV. Just because I remember the names of a couple of lame legal beagles, doesn’t say anything about me. Except I can remember the names of a couple of snake oil salesman.
If the law is innocent until PROVED guilty, then both of these guys are innocent and should be celebrating and consulting legal advice. I wonder if your buddy is available?
I’m not quite sure if you are trying to convince yourself or others with your comment, “But be honest, the cops didn’t just pull a black man’s name out of a hat, as some idiot below(tired of the bull) suggested.” Sometimes, it seems like they do and this is another example of just that. The community likes to hear that a crime as been solved.
Taxpayers do pay the Public Defenders and all you City, County and State employees. One way or another. That doesn’t mean we get to tell you (them) what to do. They clearly work for a system that is trying to convict people, not set them free. Ask anyone who has had one represent them in court or a family member or neighbor. Ok, ask anyone who has read about the injustice or sat in on a trial with a pd. It’s obvious they drew the short straw.
ed says
Law is an adverserial system, and EXCEPT FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTORS, attorneys have no duty to help the court to seek the truth. American Bar Association’s Rules of Professional Conduct. The DA’s duty is to help the Court find the truth, not to find the accused guilty.
Palmdale_Diego says
Finally, someone with a brain who knows how the system works.
sacryinshame says
Very true. Innocent, wasn’t even an option. There was no trial. Attorney, Stephen King is going to make quite a name for himself here in the AV. There is no shortage of clients to represent. I have a feeling Lancaster may even make him a very wealthy man.
jules says
The AV is a deathtrap for young black men, It’s ridiculous!!
Smh says
Awake up. Not surprised at your unsubstantiated response.
satisfed says
ALL BLACKS MAN OR WOMAN.. THEIR CONVICTION RATE IS 97%. WHAT DO THAT SAY TO YOU..HUH!!!!!!!
I guess says
Of the 97 perfect of convictions of blacks, how many were represented by public defenders. No one should have sub standard representation simply because the can’t afford a private defense attorney. One innocent person wrongfully convicted is one too many. Some public defenders go along to get along. Theres little question that if Banks didn’t have an awesome attorney he would have been convicted months ago. Your quote of 97 percent implies the cops always arrest and the courts always convict the right man. Bull!!!
Mercy me says
Where are all of you who posted your racist comments when this man was arrested? You cowards don’t have a thing to post now? So sad. I feel nothing but pity for you blind souls. Take your hoods off and see not all blacks are guilty!!!! The fox guarding the hen house. It’s all a joke. If only one of you has had a change of heart speak up. Maybe, just maybe something good came from the horrible, unjust, malicious acts that were perpetrated against this innocent man!!!!!
I see says
Why hasn’t this post been deleted? Other are and this one sounds no different than many that are? Anyone? Moderator?
Letlow says
Why should the post be deleted?? Which racial group has been attacked? Reread it and you will see that the angry author did not single out any race in particular. Are you feeling a little guilty, now? LOL!
As I do recall I was the one who went back and forth with several people on this forum arguing that they should give Damon the benefit of the doubt. For that I must pat myself on the back. PAT! PAT!
I remember someone had the nerve to say that Damon had a guilty look. You guys SHOULD be ashamed!! Don’t blame the moderator. Look inward!!
Quigley says
Crow bbq?? So Mercy me, you don’t post on this blog…or changed your user name?
AV Town Crier says
Oh quit gripping. This is how blacks are welcomed into Lancaster. With open arms (of big John Law.)
Mercy me says
No more comments? Cowards don’t have nothing to say now. You cheer when a black man is arrested and you make blind judgments cause you are to cold hearted and full of hated and racism. Don’t be silent now. What’s wrong? You can’t handle the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ThugH8R says
People only “cheer” because they are sick to death of crime! It’s called “Crime Fatigue” and it is brought on when a given area experiences a huge increase in crime such as the AV has.
One dead jewelry store owner, one dead computer store owner, numerous businesses robbed and vandalized, restaurants robbed…read my lips: PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF CRIME!
When it gets to that point where a community is so fed up with its criminal element (which it has the right to be, btw) then you had better WATCH OUT if you remotely resemble the description of the criminals.
To you criminals and criminal sympathizers, this is called “Making Your Bed and Lying In It”.
If this level of scrutiny isn’t something you want to live with, then get your act together and get a handle on your community. Those of us who are law abiding citizens are not going anywhere and we pay our taxes to our D.A. and law enforcement agencies to keep their boots on the necks of the criminals. It will always be that way! If you don’t like it then it is YOU who needs to move! ~Good riddance!
ThugH8R says
btw I am happy that this man was let go IF he was innocent.
Gladys says
People do have “Crime Fatigue” and that’s not going to change unless criminals quit committing crime or the cops find a way to communicate with the community instead of treating everyone like a suspect.
There’s a lot of good people, of all races, who would help in community policing if they were not treated so poorly by the City of Lancaster and LASD when they report something.
People might be cheering because a story finally made the news regarding the arrest and release of the “wrong guy”.
I myself have called the police to report a stranger walking back and forth on my street and disappear into the side yard of a woman’s home, into the bushes. I was told to mind my own business, in so many words. ( maybe a relative or gardener :( )About 10 minutes later, there were 3 cop cars on my street. They had my neighbor kid walking backwards down the street with his pants dropped to the ground and his hands up.
The stranger I had called about earlier (3 times), had broken into the womans house and since my neighbor kid was driving by, the cops assumed he was the get-away driver. He was coming to decorate the house for a graduation party for his brother. The only thing they had in common was their race.
Kel says
This is ridiculous and lazy policing!! THAT is precisely the reason why black folks have don’t trust law enforcement. That is why Dorner has so may supporters. The DA DIDN’T HAVE TO PROCLAIM DAMON INNOCENT!!!! The LAW already said he was innocent, as in “innocent until proven guilty.” Since the DA could NOT PROCEED with the case then there is no longer “until proven guilty.” So what does that leave??? INNOCENT YOU RACIST DIMWITS!!! But these are same people on the juries around here, and that’s why black people can’t get a fair trial for anything in this world in the AV!!! Hopefully now that the HBIC at the DA office is a minority, this can all change. But I won’t hold my breath.
Sally says
It wont cuz she dont like her own people!!!!!!
Sally says
Dorner dont have many supporters. i dont know where you get that from. he might have some support among the brothers and sisters but his own family done turned on him. pretty sad yo.
Tired of the Bull says
I’m so happy for this young man and his family. I remember this case very well and I recall all the bias and heartless statements that were posted. Where are those racist fools now. Why can’t one of them be man enough to acknowledge they were wrong. Where is detective Ellis and the other officers who initially credited identifying Mr. Banks as a suspect based on good ole detective work. Their investigation was reckless, irresponsible, heartless and unjust. Mr. Banks was quoted in the article as saying he will not be coming to Lancaster again. I totally understand his feelings; Lancaster is a racist community and anyone who denies this is a lair. But what about the men of color who reside here? Since when is it ok to point out any man simply because of his skin color and lock him up? Since when is skin color and a white tee shirt probable cause? Should the black and hispanic men of Lancaster walk around with their hands in their pockets and open doors with their teeth to ensure their finger prints are not left on the doors of public restaurants for fear they will be accused of a crime? So much for the quality of life for some. Many whites in Lancaster would love to see us get out of this town. Well, that is never going to happen. Damon Banks’ story of unjust racial profiling by the av police department is our story too. He was lucky to have a family and an attorney who believed and fought for him. He was lucky to have a mother who was able to post his bail and pay for a defense attorney. There now needs to be an independent review of Banks’ case from start to end. Damon Banks was wise to hire his own attorney. Why did the public defender tell him to admit to a crime he didn’t commit? How much did this public defender even know about the case? Did he even contact a single witness of Banks to justify his recommendation? Why is the city of Lancaster paying this public defender a salary? He is obviously racist, negligent and/or incompetent. Why handle a man’s case so recklessly. No wonder so many of these guys accept pleas deals when your public defender is on the side of the prosecution. The fact is Damon Banks is not the first man in Lancaster to be wrongfully accused of such a crime and if someone doesn’t do something and fast, he will not be the last. Yes, Damon Banks was more than lucky, he was blessed. Oh my God what about the rest of us? Where is the NAACP? Have we learned nothing from the Damon Banks case?
Gladys says
Look who pays the Public Defenders? That’s who they represent….not the defendant. Was the PD 1st name Jim? Was there a investigator named Bill? Those 2 are quite a team.
Good luck Mr. Banks.
gladys says
It’s does a heart good to finally hear a happy ending to a story involving the Cops and 2 your African American men.
Where’s all the guys talking crap about you now? I hope they have the good sense and decency to divert their eyes and nod their heads.
smfh and lmao
J. Ripper says
Rex stood up and took so much credit for “his” sheriff deputies finding and arresting the guy who knocked off the computer store owner at K & 20th W last year in something like 24 hours… where is he now standing up and eating crow and apologizing to this man’s family?
Where r u? says
I feel for you man. You have a great mom, always take care of her. I wish you the best, hope you get back on your shoes quick and you stay that way. For the witnesses, i wish my wishes come true.
luis says
i’m happy 4 u, good luck, u have a great & supportive mom & Fam. cherish them! The good lord was also looking over you….give him thanks & walk in his path.
Cheers!