Attorney General Chris Carr announced that the bureau’s new statewide Gang Prosecution Unit has indicted Donald Bannister on charges of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, murder, aggravated assault and other drug and weapons related offenses. Bannister is an alleged member of 2Solid, a hybrid street gang with ties to the Bloods. This indictment stems from a murder that took place in Marietta in June 2021.
“Our new Gang Prosecution Unit is fighting to root out violent gang activity in every corner of our state,” Carr said. “We serve as a force multiplier, working with local law enforcement to ensure Georgians are protected and criminals are kept off our streets. This is our first charge to come out of Metro Atlanta as we continue our efforts to keep all Georgia families and communities safe.”
This case was investigated by the Marietta Police Department (MPD) and the Cobb County Police Department.
“This indictment sends a powerful message to those considering committing a crime in Cobb County: Criminals will be held accountable! Our attorney general, US Marshals Service, county sheriff’s and police departments, and community law enforcement officials are working together to protect our communities and hold criminals accountable for their actions,” said MPD Chief Marty Ferrell. “I’m proud of our officers and detectives for their tireless efforts on this case!”
“The Cobb County Police Department is very proud of the actions of all of our officers, investigators and civilian employees involved in the criminal prosecution of Donald Bannister,” said Stuart VanHoozer, Cobb County Police Commissioner. “The sacrifice made to protect the citizens of Cobb County is a testament to their character, selflessness and courage. We appreciate the continued support from the Attorney General’s Office and our continued partnership with the Marietta Police Department. Through these partnerships, we can continue to keep all Cobb County citizens and visitors safe.”
Fees and possible maximum penalties
The Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Cobb County Grand Jury leading to the indictment* of Donald Bannister on October 6, 2022.
Specifically, the indictment alleges the following against Bannister, which, if convicted, may be subject to the appropriate penalties.
- 2 counts of violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years per count
- 1 murder case – maximum sentence life in prison without possibility of parole
- 1 count of felony murder – maximum sentence life in prison without parole
- 1 count of aggravated assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison
- 1 count of possession of a firearm while committing a felony – maximum sentence of five years in prison
- 1 count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute – maximum penalty 10 years in prison
- 1 count of criminal attempt to sell marijuana – maximum penalty of five years in prison
Bannister was also charged on a second count in a fight that took place at the Cobb County Jail in 2020. In particular, Bannister faces the following charges.
- 2 counts of violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years per count
- 1 count of aggravated assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison
- 1 case of Simple Battery – maximum sentence of 12 months in prison
As part of this second indictment, Knazier Clarke is also facing the following charges.
- 1 count of aggravated assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison
- 1 case of Simple Battery – maximum sentence of 12 months in prison
No further information about the investigation or the charges may be released at this time.
About the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit
Earlier this year, Attorney General Chris Carr, with support from Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, established Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit. This new entity officially began its historic work on July 1, 2022.
The establishment of the unit is made possible by HB 1134, legislation giving the Attorney General’s office concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute criminal gang activity nationwide. Georgia’s FY2023 budget also includes $1.3 million to set up the new Gang Prosecution Unit.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed within the Attorney General’s Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and his Public Integrity and White Collar Crimes Unit.
*Members of the public should remember that indictments contain only allegations against the person against whom the indictment is being made. An accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and it is up to the government to prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as to the allegations contained in the indictment.
