Somerset Man Convicted in High-Stakes Robbery and Conspiracy Case

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict for Complex Crime Involving Luxury Car Rental Owner

In a notable conclusion to a case that captured local attention, Melvin Banks, 37, of Somerset, NJ, has been found guilty by a Morris County jury of several serious charges including second-degree conspiracy, first-degree armed robbery, third-degree theft of a motor vehicle, and first-degree witness tampering. The announcement was made by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, alongside First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Riverdale Police Chief Charles Quant Jr.

The prosecution's case revealed a premeditated plot by Banks to rob a high-end luxury car rental business owner of valuable jewelry and other items. On the evening of December 4, 2021, Banks orchestrated a meeting under the guise of returning a rented Mercedes S580. However, this appointment turned sinister when co-defendant Daniel Lind, acting in concert with Banks, robbed the victim at gunpoint, discharging a firearm close to the victim and absconding with roughly $100,000 worth of jewelry and cell phones. The duo had prepared for the crime by purchasing incriminating items such as black gloves and cable ties, with their actions captured on surveillance footage.

The aftermath of the robbery saw Banks attempting to obstruct justice by sending threatening messages to the victim and their family, urging them to withdraw charges. This act of witness tampering further complicated the legal proceedings.

Daniel Lind, who had earlier pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree robbery and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, has already been sentenced to 8 years in state prison. The trial of Melvin Banks, which spanned from January 30, 2024, to February 8, 2024, under the supervision of The Honorable Claudia Jones, JSC, concluded with the jury's verdict on February 9, 2024.

Melvin Banks now awaits sentencing on March 22, 2024, currently held at the Morris County Correctional Facility. His conviction underscores the diligent work of the Riverdale Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office General Investigation Unit in bringing the perpetrators to justice, highlighting the severity of the crimes and the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing such intricate criminal activities.