EL CAJON, CA — Richard Joseph Banks, a 50-year-old driving instructor with the American Driving School based in El Cajon, is facing 32 criminal charges for allegedly sexually abusing teenage students. The charges include using a minor to create obscene material, sexual battery, and invasion of privacy, as reported by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Banks was arrested on Thursday, following an investigation that revealed multiple assaults during driving lessons, often while he secretly recorded his victims. This was disclosed by the local NBC affiliate KNSD.
Daniel Tackett, the owner of the driving school, expressed shock and condemnation of Banks’ alleged actions. He informed KNSD that Banks’ classes were immediately canceled after learning about the investigation in November. Tackett emphasized that Banks’ alleged behavior violated both the trust of the company and the policies of the DMV regarding inappropriate conduct. He also highlighted that Banks had passed a Department of Justice background check before his employment.
Tackett, speaking to San Diego CBS affiliate KFMB, noted that Banks had been with the company for about a year, receiving positive reviews from parents and referrals to other families. The allegations have reportedly caused significant distress to the long-standing driving school.
The case has raised concerns about the safety and oversight of teen driving instruction programs, spotlighting the critical need for rigorous monitoring and background checks in positions of trust and authority over minors.