Prosecutors say two local clergy members used phones and social media to solicit sexually explicit material from minors and shared the images with each other.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Two Philadelphia-area clergy members have been charged after investigators alleged they conspired to obtain and exchange sexually explicit images and videos involving minors, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Tuesday that Bryan Jackson, 42, and Isaiah Banks, 30, were each charged with multiple felony offenses, 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.
The investigation began on April 8 after Philadelphia police received a report from the Department of Human Services concerning a minor who allegedly had been solicited by Banks through iMessages and social media to send sexually explicit videos in exchange for money or food.
According to prosecutors, a witness conducting a random check of the minor’s phone discovered the messages and notified a therapist, who then contacted DHS as a mandated reporter.
After the child was interviewed by the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, investigators determined the messages were sexual in nature and included requests for pornographic videos, prosecutors said.
Authorities allege Banks then shared the material with Jackson, who prosecutors say posed as a female in an effort to obtain images and videos directly from the victim.
Forensic evidence recovered from Banks’ phone allegedly showed he received a sexually explicit image of the victim from Jackson in January. Prosecutors said text messages exchanged between the two men in January showed them discussing sexually explicit photographs.
The investigation also allegedly uncovered evidence that both men obtained sexually explicit images and videos from multiple victims. Prosecutors said contact between Banks and Jackson dates back to February 2024 and included exchanges of nude images and videos of minors and discussions about obtaining additional material.
Both men have been arrested, charged and arraigned.
Banks’ bail was set at $600K, while Jackson’s bail was set at $100K. Prosecutors sought an increase in Jackson’s bail, but the request was denied by a judge.
Both defendants have since posted bail and have been released from custody while awaiting preliminary hearings.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized to contact law enforcement or victim services.
Key Points
- Two Philadelphia clergy members were charged with child sexual exploitation and related offenses involving minors.
- Prosecutors allege the men solicited explicit material from minors and shared the images with each other.
- Both defendants posted bail and were released pending preliminary hearings.