Steady Leadership.
Proven Experience.
Respect for Mineral County.
Mineral County deserves a Sheriff who leads with professionalism and integrity. Respect for our citizens, respect for taxpayer dollars, and respect for the rule of law are not slogans — they are responsibilities.
Samuel “Ben” Banks brings real-world law enforcement and leadership experience from the local, state, and federal levels. His career has included hundreds of felony investigations, leading people in high-pressure environments, and working directly with prosecutors to ensure cases are handled the right way.
Ben Banks is running to bring that experience home — and to provide the steady, capable leadership Mineral County deserves.
Ben Banks began his law enforcement career in 2004, while attending the University of Montana, serving as a Reserve Deputy with Missoula County. From the beginning, his work focused on professionalism, accountability, and public service.
After graduating from UM with a degree in Sociology and Criminology, Ben commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. He served in combat roles in Iraq and Afghanistan and later commanded more than 100 Soldiers across multiple locations. In those roles, he was responsible for training, discipline, millions of dollars of equipment, and the well-being of his people — responsibilities that required calm leadership and sound judgment. Under his command, he significantly increased unit morale, efficiency, and capabilities.
Ben later became a criminal investigator and Supervisory Special Agent, serving with the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Over several years, he worked hundreds of felony cases involving serious crimes that directly affected the Nation’s Soldiers and their families. His work required careful attention to the law, compassion for victims, and close coordination with prosecutors and senior leaders to ensure justice was served and trust was maintained within the military community.
After completing his military service, Ben and his wife, Jelena, chose to put down roots in Mineral County with their two children. Ben served as a Deputy with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, working directly with the community he calls home.
When asked to take on major felony investigations with the Montana Department of Justice, Ben accepted the responsibility — continuing to serve communities across Montana, including Mineral County, while living here and raising his family here. He currently serves as a Major Crimes Agent, leading complex investigations across the state.
About Ben Banks
Why I’m Running for Sheriff
Mineral County deserves a Sheriff who can fully perform the duties of the office — working effectively with deputies, courts, prosecutors, and partner agencies, and leading the Sheriff’s Office with clarity and confidence.
Recent events have raised legitimate questions about leadership and the future of the Sheriff’s Office. This campaign is not about personalities or politics. It is about ensuring Mineral County has a Sheriff who can do the job, follow the law, and lead with professionalism.
I’m running because I have the experience, training, and judgment to serve from day one. I’ve worked complex felony cases, managed people and resources, and held positions where accountability mattered. I’m running to serve this community with the steady, capable leadership that Mineral County deserves.
