BALTIMORE, MD – David Banks, 29, of Baltimore, is headed to federal prison for 25 years after being convicted for a brutal carjacking and armed robbery conspiracy that left two people dead and another wounded. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher handed down the sentence yesterday, followed by five years of supervised release, bringing a measure of closure to a string of terror that gripped the city.
According to court documents, Banks wasn’t just a participant – he was an active shooter in a conspiracy that spanned from June to August of 2019. The crew targeted victims, brandishing firearms to steal their vehicles and possessions. The stolen cars weren’t just abandoned; they were used as tools in further criminal activity, and the proceeds were split amongst the conspirators. Banks directly admitted to participating in a June 12, 2019, carjacking where a victim was fatally shot, claiming he intended to cause serious harm.
The violence didn’t stop there. Banks also confessed to involvement in five armed robberies and an attempted robbery between July 7th and August 12th, 2019. During an attempted robbery on July 24th, another victim was shot. Just four days later, a second victim was murdered during an armed robbery. The details, laid bare in the plea agreement, paint a picture of calculated brutality and utter disregard for human life.
Federal investigators cracked the case with the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN, a crucial tool in modern crimefighting, allowed authorities to link firearms used in multiple crimes, disrupting the cycle of violence and providing vital evidence in the case. This isn’t just about putting one man behind bars; it’s about stopping a pattern of escalating violence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the ATF’s Baltimore Field Division, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron lauded the agencies’ teamwork, emphasizing the importance of coordinated law enforcement in tackling violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia C. McLane and Brandon K. Moore were the prosecutors on the case, securing the lengthy sentence against Banks.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence through community partnerships and strategic enforcement. The Department of Justice recently strengthened PSN, prioritizing trust-building, community support, and results-driven policing. While a 25-year sentence won’t bring back the victims, it sends a clear message: violent criminals will be held accountable for their actions in Baltimore and beyond.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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