District Attorney Larry Krasner announced charges Tuesday against two Philadelphia pastors accused of sexually exploiting and abusing minors. During a news conference held on June 23, Krasner announced the arrest of Bryan Jackson, 42, senior pastor of The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center, and Isaiah Banks, 30, senior pastor of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in North Philadelphia, who were charged with creation of child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy, and other charges. “The predatory sexual abuse committed by both clergy members is an egregious abuse of their positions of trust in the community,” said Krasner. “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. The survivors deserve compassion, support, and justice.” Isaiah Banks (left), and Bryan Jackson (right). Krasner said Banks “resigned in a hurry in the last couple of months,” but served at the church during the timeframe of the suspected crimes. “It’s a very active investigation, we continue to gather information,” Krasner said. Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673. 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.” “I want to commend this children and their bravery in coming forward. Starting this process is extremely difficult,” von Nagy said. Prosecutors said on April 8, 2026, Philadelphia Police began investigating a report from the Department of Human Services (DHS) in reference to a minor who was solicited by Banks, through iMessages and social media to send sexually explicit videos in exchange for money or food. After the victim was interviewed by the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, the messages sent from the victim to Banks were determined to be sexual in nature and included requests for pornographic videos, officials said. According to prosecutors, the messages were initially revealed after a witness conducted a random check on the victim’s phone. The witness then notified a therapist, who is a mandated reporter and notified DHS. Prosecutors said investigation found that Banks was sending these images to the second Jackson, who was posed as a woman to get images and videos directly from the victim.Forensic evidence from Banks’ phone revealed that he received a sexually explicit image of the victim via phone in January 2026 from Jackson. Text messages exchanged between both defendants in January show both men conspiring over sexually explicit photos. Further investigation revealed that both Banks and Jackson obtained sexually explicit images and videos from multiple victims.  According to prosecutors, contact between Banks and Jackson date back to February 2024, with message exchanges littered with images and videos of nude minors with plans to solicit further images. “Deeply troubling charges involving entrusted leaders. These allegations are profoundly disturbing,” said LaQuisha Anthony, executive director of the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR). Jackson and Banks were charged with the following: Bryan Jackson: Criminal Conspiracy (F2) (2 Counts) Sexual Abuse of Children (F2) (2 Counts) Sexual Exploitation of Children (F2) (2 Counts) Corruption of Minors (F3) (2 Counts) Unlawful Contact with a Minor (F3) (2 Counts) Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (F3) (2 Counts) Other related charges Isaiah Banks: Criminal Conspiracy (F2) (2 Counts) Sexual Abuse of Children (F2) (2 Counts) Sexual Exploitation of Children (F2) (2 Counts) Corruption of Minors (F3) (2 Counts) Unlawful Contact with a Minor (F3) (2 Counts) Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (F3) (2 Counts) Other related charges Banks and Jackson are awaiting a preliminary hearing. Banks’ bail was set at $600,000 and Jackson’s bail was set at $100,000. Prosecutors said Banks and Jackson may face additional charges, and they encouraged other potential victims to come forward. “Our office encourages anyone who believes they may have been victimized to contact law enforcement or victim services so they can access the resources and assistance available to them,” Krasner said. Second Pilgrim Baptist Church released the following statement in response to Banks’ arrest. “Second Pilgrim Baptist Church is fully aware of the arrest on criminal charges filed against Pastor Isaiah M. Banks on June 3, 2026. 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. Isaiah M. Banks was elected by the Church body of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in September of 2017 as Pastor and served in that capacity until resigning effective April 26, 2026. As a community of faith, our focus remains on supporting those who may be impacted and remain committed to spreading the Gospel to this troubled world by continuing our regular Church Operations and Ministries. We remain committed to truth, justice and accountability and we are praying for all those involved. because this is an active and ongoing legal matter, we have no further comments on this matter pending case resolution,” Board of Trustees member Michael Davis-Chairman wrote. NBC10 also reached out to The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center, and at the time of this publication, we hadn’t heard back. If you believe you’ve been victimized, you are encouraged to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Services Unit Direct Line 215-686-5709 or email [email protected]; the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR) hotline at 215-985-3333; or the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 215-685-3251.  ...read more read less