Representative
Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods) was charged with three felonies and a
misdemeanor on Tuesday, just five weeks before his primary in the 1st
House District.
The
charges against Representative Banks are regarding a June 2010
incident in which he allegedly submitted fake pay stubs while
applying for a personal loan. Mr. Banks has been convicted of several
felonies involving false checks. The current charges are as follows:
two counts of uttering and publishing, punishable by up to 14 years
in prison and/or $10,000, one felony count of false pretense to
defraud or cheat and a misdemeanor for false statements/financial
condition, punishable by one year in prison or $1,000. Mr. Banks also
faces charges of being a four-time habitual offender, which could
enhance his sentence to life in prison.
In
response, Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) said he cannot
comment on the charges against him, as they stem from an incident
before his term, however since being elected to the Legislature Mr.
Greimel feels Representative Banks has served his constituents well.
Representative
Banks has pleaded not guilty and has been released on a $5,000
personal bond and ordered not to leave the state.