Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia pastor Isaiah Banks was arrested in June 2026 on charges involving the alleged sexual exploitation of minors.
- Court records show prosecutors filed two separate criminal cases against Banks.
- The investigation is active and authorities are encouraging any additional victims to come forward.
- Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may have civil legal options against responsible institutions.
Philadelphia Pastors Arrested in Child Exploitation Investigation
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced on June 23, 2026, that authorities had arrested Isaiah Banks, 30, and Bryan Jackson, 42, on allegations of sexual exploitation of minors.
At the time of his arrest, Banks had recently served as senior pastor of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in Philadelphia while Jackson is the senior pastor of The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center, also in Philadelphia. Prosecutors allege the men participated in a scheme involving the sexual exploitation of minors and the creation of child pornography.
“According to ADA Helena von Nagy, Banks is accused of grooming ‘more than one minor’ in the community to produce child pornography and providing that pornography to Jackson, who also ‘directly communicated with these children for the purpose of getting more videos and photos.’” (NBC10)
Prosecutors reportedly collected evidence through search warrants, including evidence recovered from phones.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Von Nagy commended the children who came forward during the investigation, noting that starting the process is extremely difficult.
LaQuisha Anthony, executive director of the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR), described the charges involving entrusted leaders as deeply troubling and profoundly disturbing.
Call or text the 24/7 WOAR crisis hotline, 215-985-3333, for free, confidential support, counseling, referrals, and other resources.
Prosecutors are encouraging any other victims to come forward. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Two Separate Criminal Cases Filed Against Banks
Court records show that prosecutors filed two separate criminal cases against Banks involving different alleged offense dates
According to court records, Banks faces charges including:
- Unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses
- Sexual exploitation of children
- Endangering the welfare of children
- Corruption of minors
- Criminal use of a communication facility
- Harassment
- Conspiracy
Court records show Banks was arrested on June 3, 2026. Charges were filed the following day. Bail was initially set at $300,000, and his bond was posted on June 14, 2026. A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for August 19, 2026.
Pastor Isaiah Banks, courtesy of the Wayback Machine
Who Is Isaiah Banks?
Prior to his arrest, Banks served as the senior pastor of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in Philadelphia, a historic congregation that traces its roots to 1916. According to a biography previously published by the church, Banks was baptized at the age of 6, became “licensed to preach” at age 12 in 2008, and was ordained into ministry in 2012.
In February 2017, Banks was elected Senior Pastor of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church.
According to his biography, Banks preached “at many churches in the Tri-State area,” as well as in San Diego, California at the Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church.
Pastor Isaiah Banks, courtesy of the Philadelphia Tribune
Banks Announced Resignation in April 2026
According to the District Attorney, “Banks ‘resigned in a hurry in the last couple of months,’ but served at the church during the timeframe of the suspected crimes.”
In an April 26, 2026, Facebook post, Banks announced his resignation from Second Pilgrim Baptist Church. According to his post, Banks had been serving and leading the church since he became the interim pastor at 18 years old.
Banks wrote, in part, “Through every personal battle both privately and publicly, you’ve forgiven me, stood by me and gave me a reason to have hope that with God, honesty and faithfulness, things would be alright!
I will never forget this place or these people. From 2015 until now, God has used this people and this place to be the very training I need to be a better man, Christian, minister, preacher and pastor! Words cannot express my thanks to you all. Although I have been led to step down as your pastor, as we shared this was solely the leading of the Holy Spirit for me and my life. You all have loved me through various seasons of my life both good and bad just as I have for you, and this is what God has led me to do during this time in my life and ministry so that I can take time and seek God, reflect and readjust to be and do all God wants me to be as a child of God.”
It is unclear whether Banks’ resignation was related to the allegations that later resulted in criminal charges.
Civil Accountability
The criminal charges against Isaiah Banks focus on his alleged conduct. Civil investigations, however, examine whether any institution played a role in allowing abuse to occur or continue.
At this stage, prosecutors have not publicly identified where the alleged victims met Banks or whether the alleged conduct was connected to his role as a pastor. Nevertheless, the allegations raise important questions about how whether adequate safeguards exist to protect children from those in power with ill intent.
In civil cases, survivors can seek justice and accountability from institutions whose actions (or failures to act) may have contributed to abuse. When an organization places someone in a position of authority and gives them access to children, it has a responsibility to prioritize child safety.
Our Commitment to Survivors
It is both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing how often abuse occurs within churches and other faith communities. Across the country, survivors continue to come forward with accounts of harm by pastors, youth leaders, and others who used the trust placed in them to access children. Abuse in religious settings is far more common than many realize, and its impact is devastating.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of sexual abuse nationwide, including those harmed by pastors and others in positions of authority within religious organizations.
Our team uses a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach in every case, ensuring that those who reach out feel heard, supported, and empowered as they explore their legal rights and options.
If you or someone you love was harmed by Isaiah Banks, Bryan Jackson, or another religious leader, you are not alone.
We are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights.
All consultations are free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Pastor Isaiah Banks, courtesy of The Philadelphia Tribune. Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, © Google, Google Maps.
