Two Philadelphia Pastors, Bryan Jackson and Isaiah Banks, Accused of Grooming and Creating Child Pornography

Two Philly Pastors Charged With Allegedly Creating Child Porn, Multiple Victims

Two Philadelphia pastors were arrested and accused of creating child pornography affecting multiple victims, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office announced. Bryan Jackson, senior pastor at Garden of Prayer World Prayer Center, and Isaiah Banks, former senior pastor at Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, each face several criminal offenses, including conspiracy, sexual abuse of children, and corruption of minors.

Church Pastors Accused of Grooming Children Offering Gifts for Explicit Photos

An investigation into Banks, 40, began in April after police received a report from the Department of Human Services, Krasner said. The report alleged Banks solicited a minor to send him sexually explicit videos via text message, offering money or food in exchange. The messages were discovered after a witness conducted a random check on the victim's phone and reported what they found to a therapist who was a mandated reporter, prompting the formal referral to law enforcement.

Assistant District Attorney Helena von Nagy said the evidence shows Banks "groomed more than one minor in the community to produce child pornography and then provided that pornography to Mr. Jackson, who also directly communicated with the children for the purpose of getting more photos and videos of that type."

Two Pastors Allegedly Exchanged Child Porn Images and Videos

Von Nagy described the alleged criminal activity as a process that unfolded over several years, though prosecutors are concentrating on conduct between January and May 2026. Arrest papers allege the two pastors exchanged text messages and other communications about soliciting images of child pornography as far back as 2024. Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit obtained search warrants for the pastors' phones, recovering pornographic images and videos depicting children, along with messages between the men discussing the illegal material.

"I would like to commend these children and their bravery in coming forward and starting this process," von Nagy said. "It's extremely difficult to have to speak about these things to law enforcement, to the community members and eventually in front of the defendants when this goes to a preliminary hearing and eventually a trial."

Community Responds to Accusations Against Pastors in Philly

Both men have been arraigned and posted bail. They are awaiting preliminary hearings on the charges. Prosecutors said additional charges may be filed in connection with victims who have already come forward, or if further victims are identified.

Jackson previously attended Philadelphia City Council meetings and once delivered an invocation before the body. City Council Minority Leader Kendra Brooks issued a statement saying in part: "I'm deeply disturbed and hurt to my core that anyone in a position of faith and community leadership would carry out these actions. It's a betrayal of the very tenets that inform my beliefs."

Authorities Urge Other Victims to Come Forward

Krasner used Tuesday's news conference to call on anyone with relevant information to speak up. "We want to notify people who may have a story to tell, or may remember something that happened in the past that seemed off, but at the time they didn't have enough information to understand the broader context," he said.

LaQuisha Anthony, executive director of the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, also known as WOAR, said resources are available for survivors whether or not they choose to involve law enforcement. "These allegations are profoundly disturbing, not only because of the alleged harm inflicted on children, but because they represent a violation of trust within spaces that are meant to be safe, sacred and protected," Anthony said. "To every survivor, every family member and every community member impacted by this: we want you to know that you are not alone and that support is available."

The factual information above was sourced from fox29.com as of June 23, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

When a Pastor Is Charged With Grooming Children, Here Is What Parents Need to Know

When a trusted religious leader faces charges of grooming children, the shock and devastation felt by families can make it nearly impossible to know where to turn. The criminal case happening in a courtroom is only one part of what justice can look like for survivors and their families. Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorney Ashley DiLiberto has spent her career representing survivors of clergy and religious leader abuse, and she sat down to walk parents through the legal options available to them — from civil lawsuits against individuals and institutions to understanding the expanded timeframes Pennsylvania now gives survivors to come forward. Her message is clear: parents do not have to wait for a criminal verdict to take action, and no family should have to navigate this alone.

Q: When a religious leader is accused of grooming minors to produce child pornography, what legal options are available to victims beyond the criminal case?

A: Victims have two separate paths available to them — the criminal case, which the government pursues on their behalf, and a civil lawsuit, which the victim brings independently. A civil claim allows survivors to seek financial compensation for the harm they suffered, including therapy costs, emotional distress, and long-term psychological damage. These two paths can run at the same time and one does not have to be finished for the other to move forward.

Q: Can victims sue the church or religious organization itself, not just the individual accused?

A: Absolutely. In many cases, the institution can be held liable if it knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to act. If a church or organization gave someone access to children, ignored warning signs, or failed to have proper safeguarding policies in place, they may share legal responsibility. Holding institutions accountable is often just as important as holding individuals accountable.

Q: Pennsylvania recently expanded its statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors. What does that mean for victims coming forward now?

A: Pennsylvania has made significant changes that give survivors more time to come forward. For many years, the window to file a civil lawsuit was far too narrow, and countless survivors lost their chance to seek justice before they were even ready to speak about what happened. The expanded timeframe means that people who were abused years ago may still have a viable claim today. Anyone who was victimized as a minor should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand where they stand.

Q: What should a victim expect when they first contact a sexual abuse attorney?

A: The first conversation is completely confidential. A good attorney will listen without judgment, explain the legal landscape clearly, and help the survivor understand their options without any pressure to take immediate action. Most sexual abuse attorneys handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning there is no upfront cost — the attorney only gets paid if the case is successful. No survivor should let financial concerns stop them from at least making that first call.

Q: What is your message to anyone who may have been victimized by someone in a position of religious authority?

A: What happened to you was not your fault. The people who were supposed to protect you failed you, and the law recognizes that. You have rights, and there are attorneys who are specifically trained to help survivors of clergy and religious leader abuse navigate this process with dignity and care. You do not have to face this alone, and reaching out for legal guidance is a powerful step that you can take on your own terms.

Your Story Matters — And So Does Your Right to Fight Back

If you or someone you love was harmed by a person in a position of religious authority, you do not have to face what comes next without support. Attorney Ashley DiLiberto offers free, confidential consultations for survivors and their families — no pressure, no obligation, and no upfront cost. One phone call can help you understand your rights, your options, and the path forward. You have already shown strength by reading this far. Take the next step and reach out today.