Isaiah Banks, 30, and Bryan Jackson, 42, were charged following an investigation that prosecutors say uncovered a conspiracy to obtain, exchange, and solicit sexually explicit content involving children, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.<\/p>\n
The case began on April 8 when Philadelphia police received a report from the Department of Human Services involving a minor who allegedly had been solicited by Banks through iMessages and social media, authorities said.<\/p>\n
According to prosecutors, Banks offered money or food in exchange for sexually explicit videos. The messages were discovered after a witness conducted a random check of the victim’s phone and alerted a therapist, who reported the information to DHS as a mandated reporter.<\/p>\n
After the victim was interviewed by the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, investigators determined the communications were sexual in nature and included requests for pornographic videos, according to the district attorney’s office.<\/p>\n
Authorities allege Banks shared the material with Jackson, who prosecutors say posed as a female to obtain sexually explicit images and videos directly from the victim.<\/p>\n
Forensic evidence recovered from Banks’ phone allegedly showed he received a sexually explicit image of the victim from Jackson in January 2026. Text messages exchanged between the two men allegedly showed them discussing sexually explicit photographs and planning to obtain additional content from minors, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n
Investigators said the evidence revealed both men obtained sexually explicit images and videos from multiple victims. Communications between Banks and Jackson date back to February 2024 and included numerous images and videos of nude minors, according to the district attorney’s office.<\/p>\n
Both men were charged with two counts each of 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, along with related offenses.<\/p>\n
Banks’ bail was set at $600,000 and Jackson’s bail was set at $100,000. Prosecutors sought a higher bail amount for Jackson, but the request was denied by Judge Cortez Patton. Both men have posted bail and are out of custody pending further court proceedings.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Second Pilgrim Baptist Church released a statement confirming Banks served as pastor until his resignation became effective on April 26.<\/p>\n
“Second Pilgrim Baptist Church is fully aware of the arrest on criminal charges filed against Pastor Isaiah M. Banks on June 23, 2026,” Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Davis said in the statement. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by these developments as the safety and well-being of our congregation and the broader community are our highest priority.”<\/p>\n
The church said it remains committed to “truth, justice and accountability” and is praying for everyone affected by the case.<\/p>\n
Banks announced his departure from the church in an April Facebook post, writing that he had been “led to step down” and planned to “seek God, reflect and readjust.” He thanked members for supporting him through “every personal battle both privately and publicly” and said the congregation had “forgiven me, stood by me and gave me a reason to have hope.”<\/p>\n
A separate Facebook post from the church thanked Banks for his years of service and stated, “You didn’t just lead a church\u2014you nurtured a family, and for that we are forever grateful.”<\/p>\n
A biography previously published by the church <\/a>described Banks as a “young, anointed and enthusiastic preacher” who was licensed to preach at age 12 and elected pastor of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in 2017. The biography said he was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership at Eastern University.<\/p>\n The investigation remains active. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Victim\/Witness Services Unit, the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, or the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.<\/p>\n If you believe you’ve been victimized, you are encouraged to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney\u2019s Office Victim\/Witness Services Unit Direct Line 215-686-5709 or email [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>; 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n