Philadelphia clergy members charged with sexual abuse and exploitation of minors
ByKamryn Scrivens
FOX 29 Philadelphia CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
Crime & Public Safety
Published June 22, 2026 9:24 PM EDT
Two local clergy members have been charged with multiple counts related to the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
The Brief
Two Philadelphia clergy members are charged with sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
Both men are out on bail after being arrested and arraigned.
Authorities urge anyone affected to seek support and contact law enforcement.
What we know:
Bryan Jackson and Isaiah Banks face charges including criminal conspiracy, sexual abuse of children, sexual exploitation of children, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility. Both men were arrested, arraigned, and are now out on bail.
Philadelphia Police began investigating on April 8 after the Department of Human Services reported that Isaiah Banks allegedly solicited a minor to send sexually explicit videos in exchange for money or food. According to the District Attorney's Office, forensic evidence and interviews revealed that Banks and Jackson conspired to obtain explicit images from multiple victims.
The investigation found that Banks sent images to Jackson, who posed as a female to solicit content directly from the victim. Text messages from January 2026 showed both men discussing plans to obtain more explicit photos.
The backstory:
The case began when a witness discovered inappropriate messages on the victim's phone and notified a therapist, who reported the matter to DHS. Authorities say contact between Banks and Jackson dates back to February 2024, with evidence of ongoing efforts to solicit images from minors.
Both men have posted bail—Banks at $600,000 and Jackson at $100,000—after a request to increase Jackson's bail was denied by Judge Cortez Patton.
"The predatory sexual abuse committed by both clergy members is an egregious abuse of their positions of trust in the community," District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "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."
What's next:
Both defendants are awaiting a preliminary hearing. The District Attorney's Office and victim advocacy groups continue to offer resources and support to survivors.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been affected by these crimes to reach out for help and support.
“To every survivor struggling with the aftermath of sexual abuse: you are not defined by what happened to you, and you do not have to carry this alone. These cases require compassion, privacy, patience, and accountability. At Edelstein Law, our role is to listen first, protect our clients, and fight to hold the responsible people and institutions accountable. Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and given a path toward justice.”
Jay L. Edelstein, Esquire.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by sexual abuse, clergy abuse, or institutional abuse, Edelstein Law can help you understand your rights confidentially. Call (215) 893-9311 or contact us online.
