Morristown, NJ – Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the conviction of 37-year-old Melvin Banks of Somerset, New Jersey, on charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, and witness tampering, stemming from a 2021 incident targeting a luxury car rental business owner.
According to evidence presented by the State, Banks orchestrated a plan to rob the business owner of valuable jewelry and other items on December 4, 2021. The robbery was executed by co-defendant Daniel Lind, who, under Banks’ coordination, confronted the victim at gunpoint during a scheduled return of a rented Mercedes S580.
Lind discharged a firearm close to the victim, stealing approximately $100,000 worth of jewelry and cell phones before escaping in the rental vehicle driven by Banks.
Investigations revealed that Banks and Lind prepared for the robbery by purchasing black gloves and cable ties and conducted surveillance on the robbery location. Furthermore, Banks attempted to intimidate the victim into dropping charges by threatening harm to the victim and their family during the investigation led by Riverdale Police.
Daniel Lind previously admitted to first-degree Robbery and second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, receiving an 8-year sentence. The trial against Melvin Banks concluded with a guilty verdict on February 9, 2024, after deliberations from January 30 to February 8, overseen by The Honorable Claudia Jones, JSC.
Melvin Banks awaits his sentencing on March 22, 2024, and remains in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility. The case highlights the collaborative efforts of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Riverdale Police, and the judiciary in addressing violent crime and ensuring justice.