NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A federal jury in Norfolk convicted Johnny Thiel Banks, a South Carolina man, on multiple charges related to sex trafficking, including sex trafficking of a minor and production of child sexual abuse material.

Banks, 30, transported a 15-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe, from North Carolina to Virginia, where he sex-trafficked her at various locations including hotels and a truck stop in Hampton Roads, according to a release from the Department of Justice. Jane Doe had just finished 8th grade. He threatened her and her family so she would comply with his demands.

The conviction was announced by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, along with officials from ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Virginia Beach Police Department.

Court records revealed that Banks coerced Jane Doe into posing for and sending him child sexual abuse material. On July 31, 2024, Banks, armed with a firearm, took Jane Doe to a hotel in Virginia Beach to continue sex trafficking her.

After a violent argument with Banks, Jane Doe called a family member for help, which led Virginia Beach Police to her location.

Banks was detained after walking by officers who were speaking with Jane Doe at the time.

Police recovered a loaded handgun from Banks’ rental vehicle, which he was prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. Search warrants for cellphones revealed evidence of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material.

Banks faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for November 19.

The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation.