PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The leaders of two North Philadelphia churches were accused of sexually exploiting minors and have been charged.
Bryan Jackson,42, who served as a Senior Pastor at Garden of Prayer Worlds Center and Isaiah Bank, 30, who served as Senior Pastor at Second Pilgrim Baptist, were both charged with child sexual abuse.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner accused Banks of grooming more than one minor over the course of years to produce child sexual abuse material that he would share with Jackson.
Executive Director of Philadelphia's Center Against Sexual Violence LaQuisha Anthony, condemned the men for not only breaking the trust of the victim but the community as a whole.
"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," she said.
Prosecutors filed the charges against the men after evidence was found on their cell phones, showing the men exchanging explicit photos and videos of minors.
Jackson and Banks are charged with sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy, unlawful contact with a minor and other offenses.
Prosecutors say more charges could be filed if additional victims come forward.
The DA's office says anyone who may have been victimized should contact the victim services unit.
According to court records, both men are out on bail, which was set at a fraction of what prosecutors requested. However, the District Attorney's office did NOT appeal the decision.
