Philadelphia clergy members charged with sexual abuse and exploitation of minors
2 North Philly pastors face child abuse charges
Two local clergy members are facing charges for their alleged roles in sexual abuse and exploitation against minors, according to authorities.
PHILADELPHIA - Pastor Bryan Jackson, senior pastor of Garden of Prayer, and Pastor Isaiah Banks, who stepped down from Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, are both facing charges in connection to the sexual abuse of minors. Banks had served as senior pastor at Second Pilgrim Baptist Church since 2017.
What we know:
Bryan Jackson and Isaiah Banks face charges 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. Both men were arrested, arraigned, and are now out on bail.
Philadelphia Police began investigating on April 8 after the Department of Human Services reported that Isaiah Banks allegedly solicited a minor to send sexually explicit videos in exchange for money or food. According to the District Attorney's Office, forensic evidence and interviews revealed that Banks and Jackson conspired to obtain explicit images from multiple victims.
The investigation found that Banks sent images to Jackson, who posed as a female to solicit content directly from the victim. Text messages from January 2026 showed both men discussing plans to obtain more explicit photos.
The backstory:
The case began when a witness discovered inappropriate messages on the victim's phone and notified a therapist, who reported the matter to DHS. Authorities say contact between Banks and Jackson dates back to February 2024, with evidence of ongoing efforts to solicit images from minors.
Both men have posted bail—Banks at $600,000 and Jackson at $100,000—after a request to increase Jackson's bail was denied by Judge Cortez Patton.
"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."
What they're saying:
"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," said LaQuisha Anthony, Executive Director of WOAR.
Second Pilgrim Baptist Church released a statement on the charges against former pastor Isaiah Banks, saying, "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."
"When you have people caught on their cell phones, when you have the texts back and forth, and the electronic communication and in this case the photos that are criminal in nature, it means the case is so much stronger," said Krasner.
Investigators say more charges could be forthcoming.
Requests for comment by Pastor Jackson at the Garden of Prayer Church were unsuccessful.
What's next:
Both defendants are awaiting a preliminary hearing. The District Attorney's Office and victim advocacy groups continue to offer resources and support to survivors.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been affected by these crimes to reach out for help and support.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released details about how many minors were involved, the full extent of the evidence, or whether additional individuals may be implicated as the investigation continues.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and interviews with community leaders.