A South Carolina man, Johnny Thiel Banks, 30, of Summerville, has been sentenced to 33 years in prison after being convicted on several charges related to sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material. The sentencing took place in Norfolk, Virginia.
According to evidence presented at trial, in July 2024 Banks transported a minor known as Jane Doe from North Carolina to Virginia multiple times. During these trips, he sex-trafficked the 15-year-old victim at various locations in Hampton Roads, including hotels and a truck stop. Banks threatened Jane Doe and her family to force compliance and made her create and send him sexually explicit images.
“Banks’ treatment of his victim reflects an absolute disregard for humanity,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “No person should be subject to such vile actions. This sentence will help to ensure that Banks cannot inflict similar harm on additional victims.”
On July 31, 2024, while armed with a firearm, Banks brought Jane Doe from a residence to a hotel in Virginia Beach for the purpose of commercial sex appointments. An altercation occurred during which Banks strangled Jane Doe; she subsequently contacted a family member for help. Law enforcement located Jane Doe in a hotel parking garage after receiving information about her disappearance from Charlotte. As officers spoke with her, Banks was found nearby and detained.
Police recovered a loaded handgun from Banks’ rental vehicle during their investigation. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Authorities also obtained search warrants for three cellphones containing evidence of child sexual abuse material and sex trafficking activity.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya and Rebecca Gantt following an investigation led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., along with the Virginia Beach Police Department.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation through coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies.
Additional information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents are available on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or via PACER by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-15.
