A man from Summerville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 33 years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges including sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking of a minor; production of child sexual abuse material; transportation with the intent to engage in prostitution; transportation of a minor for prostitution; and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon.
Court documents show that in July 2024, Johnny Thiel Banks, 30, transported a 15-year-old girl, referred to as Jane Doe, from North Carolina to Virginia several times. While in Virginia, Banks trafficked the minor at various locations such as hotels, a truck stop, and a gas station in Hampton Roads—specifically in Suffolk and Virginia Beach. At the time, Jane Doe had just finished eighth grade. According to evidence presented at trial, Banks threatened Jane Doe and her family to ensure her compliance and coerced her into creating and sending him child sexual abuse material.
“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 took Jane Doe from a residence to a hotel in Virginia Beach where he arranged several commercial sex appointments for her. During this time, he argued with and strangled Jane Doe. She was able to call a family member for help. The Virginia Beach Police Department located her in the parking garage of the hotel after receiving information that she was missing from Charlotte. While officers were speaking with Jane Doe, Banks walked by and was detained.
Law enforcement searched Banks’ rental vehicle and found his loaded handgun. As someone previously convicted of felony offenses, Banks is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Further searches of three cellphones revealed child sexual abuse material and other evidence related to sex trafficking.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya and Rebecca Gantt. The investigation was 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 national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to address child sexual exploitation online through coordinated federal, state, and local efforts aimed at finding offenders and rescuing victims. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Additional information related to this case is available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website or through PACER under Case No. 2:25-cr-15.
