Banko was removed from ministry and died in prison in 2016. He was also determined to be a “repetitive and compulsive sexual offender” following an evaluation at Adult Diagnostic Center in Avenel. Father Banko was found guilty of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and sentenced to 26 more years. The victim didn’t tell anyone until he reported the abuse to his mother in 2005. In that matter, The victim testified that between the ages of 9 and 10, Father Banko sexually assaulted him on more than one occasion. In 2008, another allegation was made against the priest, who was charged with additional crimes. While in jail, additional criminal charges were filed, and Banko got an additional three years sentence. Banko was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. After testifying, the first victim said that Father Banko told him that his parents would be harmed if he ever told anyone about the abuse.Īt trial, Father Banko testified in his own defense and denied all of the allegations but was convicted of all the charges against him: aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. At the trial on the first victim’s charges, three of the victims testified and recalled the abuse happening in a small changing room where they were forced to perform sexual acts on the priest. The prosecutor said that there were other similar allegations from other victims who had stepped forward during their investigation, but the crimes could not be prosecuted due to the statute of limitations expiring. He kept secret until December 1999, after years of struggling with depression. The victim alleged Father Banko had sexually molested him two consecutive Sundays after Mass between September 1993 and September 1994. According to media reports, in 2000, law enforcement began an investigation into Father Banko, known to his parishioners as “Father Jack,” after a former altar boy came forward with allegations of inappropriate touching and sexual assault. Banko was criminally convicted for sexually abusing children in 20. Father Banko was accused of sexually abusing at least ten minor boys, some as young as six years old. Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father John Bankoįather John Banko was a Catholic priest who worked in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland and in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen and Trenton, NJ. 1996-2000: Mary Mother of God Church (Hillsborough, NJ).Edward the Confessor Church (Milford, NJ) John the Evangelist Church (Dunellen, NJ) John Banko Archdiocese of Baltimore/Trenton/Metuchen New members are welcome!ĥ April ( every Wednesday) - Adoration from 6PM-8PM in the Chapel, Oakland (Rosary at 7:15PM, Benediction* at 7:50PM)ĥ April ( every FIRST Wednesday) - The Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30PM in the Chapelħ April ( every Friday, weather permitting) - Rosary outside the main entrance to the Parish Hall, 3:00PMĨ April ( every Saturday) - Rosary in the Blessed Sacrament Room at the Lake Center, 3:30PM (before 4:00PM Mass)ġ1 April ( every Tuesday) Knights of Columbus Breakfast Café, coffee/donuts/breakfast in the Parish Hallġ1 April ( every Tuesday) - Choir practice in the Church, 5:00PM.Fr. ► To view and print our 2023 Lent and Holy Week schedule, CLICK HERE ◄Ĥ April ( every Tuesday) - Choir practice in the Church, 5:00PM.
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