Embattled state rep Banks defiant despite felony charges

DETROIT (WJBK) - A state rep now charged with several felonies that could send him to prison for life.
    
Brian Banks is accused of using a phony pay stub to get a loan.

It is not his first run-in with the law, but now some of his friends and colleagues are coming to his defense.

In his own words, a man accused of felony fraud makes a stand at a rally in his support.

"I was elected to fight and serve for the 1st district," said Brian Banks "No attack will sway me. I will not be moved."

Those in support of Banks, like State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit), claim he's targeted for not falling in line with the attorney general's priorities. 
 
They also question the timing, six years after the alleged crimes and a month before the primary election.

"We want him to know and others to know these attacks will not be tolerated," she said. "And you will have support when you are willing to speak out."

And while this rally is held for Banks, supporters say there is a bigger issue at play. They are calling into question the motives of Attorney General Bill Schuette.

"Whether you like Brian Banks or not, this right here should send a signal to people of Michigan on both sides of the aisle that we should not misuse resources because this costs us," said Dagnogo.

"It happened to Brian Banks today, it could happen to Council President Brenda Jones tomorrow because she doesn't believe in going along with what others believe in going along with," she said.

They also point the finger at those looking to take his seat in the state house during the next election.

"Who was allowed to go through the records and find this,"  Dagnogo said. "I believe it was his opponent is directly associated with it. She is an attorney."

That attorney is Pamela Sossi. 

FOX 2: "Your name was evoked as someone who may have had something to do with these charges. Is there any truth to that at all?"

“I think that is ridiculous," she said. "I'm actually a criminal defense lawyer. I have never worked for a prosecutor’s office. I've never worked for the attorney general's office."

If convicted on the fraud charges and being a habitual offender, Banks could face up to life in prison.

This was the first time Banks spoke publicly since being arraigned on fraud charges and while he didn't address those charges specifically. He did say he plans to fight whatever comes his way.