PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Office of the District Attorney [Philadelphia, PA]
June 23, 2026
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and the DAO’s Family Violence & Sexual Assault Unit (FVSA) announced charges on Tuesday against two local clergy members for their alleged roles in sexual abuse and exploitation against minors in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office charged Bryan Jackson (DOB: 02/20/1984) and Isaiah Banks (DOB: 02/02/1996) with the following:
Defendant Bryan Jackson:
- Criminal Conspiracy (F2) (2 Counts)
- Sexual Abuse of Children (F2) (2 Counts)
- Sexual Exploitation of Children (F2) (2 Counts)
- Corruption of Minors (F3) (2 Counts)
- Unlawful Contact with a Minor (F3) (2 Counts)
- Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (F3) (2 Counts)
- Other related charges
Defendant Isaiah Banks:
- Criminal Conspiracy (F2) (2 Counts)
- Sexual Abuse of Children (F2) (2 Counts)
- Sexual Exploitation of Children (F2) (2 Counts)
- Corruption of Minors (F3) (2 Counts)
- Unlawful Contact with a Minor (F3) (2 Counts)
- Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (F3) (2 Counts)
- Other related charges
On April 8, 2026, Philadelphia Police began investigating a report from the Department of Human Services (DHS) in reference to a minor who was solicited by the Defendant Isaiah Banks, through iMessages and social media to send sexually explicit videos in exchange for money or food. After the victim was interviewed by the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, the messages sent from the victim to Banks were determined to be sexual in nature and included requests for pornographic videos. The messages were initially revealed after a witness conducted a random check on the victim’s phone. The witness then notified a therapist, who is a mandated reporter and notified DHS. Further investigation revealed that Banks was sending these images to the second defendant, Bryan Jackson, who was posed as a female to get images and videos directly from the victim.
Forensic evidence from Banks’ phone revealed that he received a sexually explicit image of the victim via phone in January 2026 from Jackson. Text messages exchanged between both defendants in January show both men conspiring over sexually explicit photos. Further investigation revealed that both Banks and Jackson obtained sexually explicit images and videos from multiple victims. Contact between Banks and Jackson date back to February 2024, with message exchanges littered with images and videos of nude minors with plans to solicit further images.
Both Banks and Jackson have been arrested, charged, arraigned and are awaiting a preliminary hearing. Banks’ bail was set at $600,000 and Jackson’s bail was set at $100,000. The Commonwealth requested to increase bail for Defendant Jackson and was denied by the Honorable Cortez Patton. Both have posted bail and are currently out of custody.
“The predatory sexual abuse committed by both clergy members is an egregious abuse of their positions of trust in the community,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner. “While these defendants are not representative of the countless clergy members who serve with fidelity, these crimes are especially troubling given their access to young people. The survivors deserve compassion, support, and justice. Our office encourages anyone who believes they may have been victimized to contact law enforcement or victim services so they can access the resources and assistance available to them.”
“The Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit (FVSA) at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is a specialty unit dedicated to the prosecution of intimate-partner violence, physical abuse, child neglect, pornography and exploitation, human trafficking, and other crimes,” said ADA Katrina Wadas, Supervisor of the DAO’s Family Violence & Sexual Assault Unit. “We are working closely with our Victim Services Unit and specialty victim advocacy groups that serve victims affected by this crime.”
“These charges are deeply troubling and profoundly disturbing, as the allegations involve trusted community leaders,” said LaQuisha Anthony, Acting Executive Director of the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR). “Our hearts are with the survivors affected. We want you to know that you are not alone; support is available. WOAR provides a 24/7 crisis hotline that anyone can call.”
This is an active and ongoing investigation. If you believe you’ve been victimized, we encouraged you to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Services Unit Direct Line 215-686-5709 or email DA.VictimServices@phila.gov; the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR) hotline at 215-985-3333; or the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 215-685-3251.
Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to access the following resources:
- DAO Victims Services 215-686-5709
- Philadelphia Police Dept. Special Victims Unit 215-685-3251
- Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR) 24/7 Hotline: 215-985-3333
Victimas de acoso sexual pueden requerir recursos:
- DAO Victims Services 215-686-5709
- Philadelphia Police Dept. Special Victims Unit 215-685-3251
- Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR) 24/7 Hotline: 215-985-3333