LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Brian Banks pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of filing false financial statements, Attorney General Bill Schuette announced.
Banks, 40, of Harper Woods, resigned from the Michigan House of Representatives.
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Banks was charged in June 2016 with four criminal charges after officials said he made an application for a $7,500 loan using pay statements from his alleged employer, IHI Attorneys and Consultants of Farmington. Banks claimed to work for the company, but investigators found that he had never worked there and that the check issued originated with a payroll company the firm never used.
"As an elected official, you carry a higher burden of responsibility and are expected to act as a role model in your community," Schuette said. "Former Rep. Banks violated the trust placed in him by his neighbors and constituents."
The misdemeanor charge carries a punishment of up to one year in prison.
Since Banks resigned and pleaded guilty, the remaining charges have been dropped.
Speaker of the House Tom Leonard issued the following statement on Banks' resignation:
"Rep. Banks had one legal issue after another during his time in public office. I am glad to see he is finally taking responsibility for his actions, and hopefully today's plea agreement provides the fresh start he needs.
"Going forward, I will work with Minority Leader Sam Singh to ensure important constituent services remain available to the people of the 1st District. The representative’s former office will remain open, and anyone who has concerns about state government should continue to call or email for help when they need it. We will not allow the people this community to lose access to state government because of this situation and the poor decisions made by former Rep. Banks."
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