Convictions Result in Lengthy Prison Terms

WCDA Announces Sentencing Results from November Trial Involving Multiple Felony Charges

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has announced the sentencing results from a two defendant jury trial that ended in guilty verdicts last November. Kayshawn Dwayne Smith-Harper 21, and Raymond Jalil Banks 22, were found guilty on charges of Burglary, Grand Larceny, Possession of Stolen Property, Home Invasion While in Possession of a Firearm, Burglary While in Possession of a Firearm, Attempted Grand Larceny of a Firearm and Robbery with Use of a Firearm. Banks was also convicted on charges of Assault with Use of a Deadly Weapon, Obtain or Possess Credit or Debit Card without Cardholder’s Consent and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Banks was sentenced to 27 years in prison and must serve a minimum of 10 years before parole eligibility begins. Smith-Harper was sentenced to 25 years in prison and must serve a minimum of 9 years in prison before parole eligibility begins. 

The case against Banks and Smith-Harper began on November 30, 2017 when the Sparks Police Department (SPD) responded to a call from a resident who reported that he had arrived home around 1:00 p.m. and found that it was in the process of being burglarized. The homeowner told SPD Dispatch that when he arrived home he was confronted by four black males who were loading his gun safe into their car. The situation escalated and one of the suspects pointed a gun at the homeowner.  The suspects then fled, leaving the gun safe behind and running into the homeowner’s car and house before driving off.  The homeowner was able to provide dispatch with a description of the car the suspects fled in and SPD patrol officers located it in the area of Sparks Boulevard and Baring Boulevard. When the suspect vehicle crashed into a tow truck, all four occupants fled.  A foot pursuit ensued and SPD officers were able to locate Banks and Smith-Harper, along with a firearm that was later identified as stolen and the weapon Banks used to threaten the homeowner.  SPD Detectives conducted additional investigation and determined that a neighbor’s home was also burglarized earlier that day.  Stolen property from both burglaries was located in the crashed vehicle. Detectives also found Banks in possession of the homeowner’s stolen credit card.  Banks and Smith-Harper were arrested and this office filed formal criminal charges against them.  The two other suspects who fled the scene were never located.

At sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Carrie Morton presented testimony of the significant impact on the victims and how their lives have changed as a result of these violent crimes.