Family Speaks Out: ‘A Witch Hunt in Shoshone County’
Relatives of Anthony Banker allege misconduct, conflicts of interest, and a lack of accountability in his arrest, child custody case, and conviction.
SHOSHONE COUNTY, ID — The family of Anthony Banker is speaking out, alleging a troubling pattern of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and a lack of accountability by Shoshone County law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court system.
In a candid interview, Anthony’s mother, grandmother, and aunt describe what they call a “coordinated effort” to target him, take his daughter from him, and ultimately secure his conviction—despite what they say was a complete lack of evidence.
First Incident: ‘Ripped Out Of Bed’
According to the family, the ordeal began in February 2023 when Shoshone County deputies—five to seven officers deep, with rifles drawn—arrived at Anthony’s home near Donner Pass, outside Wallace.
They allege the officers had paperwork only to “check on things,” not to remove a child. Nonetheless, they say deputies tore Anthony’s young daughter out of bed, handcuffed him, and searched the home.
From left: Lorraine Small (aunt), Lynette Wayland (mother), and Karla Harlan (grandmother) of Anthony Banker during a recent interview.
Anthony Banker
“They ripped her out of bed, put my son in handcuffs, and took her without a car seat.”
— Lynette Wayland, Anthony Banker’s mother
The family says no female officer or CPS representative was present, and their granddaughter was transported to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office before being sent to Washington State with her mother a few days later.
No Evidence, No Accountability
The family alleges the mother who filed the complaint had “no proof” for her allegations. In a Washington courtroom, the judge reportedly asked, “Where’s the child?”—because no one seemed to know her whereabouts.
All charges were dropped. Anthony was given his daughter back. But a month later, a deputy reportedly admitted what they did was “incorrect.”
Still, the family says Anthony continued to be watched, harassed, and ultimately targeted again.
Second Incident, Criminal Conviction
Sage Bryant
In November 2023, Shoshone County deputies returned—this time arresting Anthony on child abuse felony charges involving the son of Sage Bryant, a family friend of Anthony. The family alleges the case was built on fabricated statements, withheld evidence, and testimony from people with close ties to the prosecution.
Charges included:
- 5 counts of felony injury to a child
- 1 count of felony destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence
Anthony was convicted by a jury on all counts Friday, August 28, 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2026.
“We believe this was a witch hunt,” said his mother, Lynette Wayland. “They took my son’s freedom and his daughter—and no one in Shoshone County will be held accountable.”
Court Documents
- Petition for temporary protection order
- Temporary protection order initially served by Sheriff Lindsey
- Denied temporary protection order
