Fr. John M. Banko

Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Died: 02/29/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Metuchen NJ

Removed from ministry in 2000. Convicted in 2002 on charges of molesting an 11-year-old boy in 1993. Sentenced to 15 years. At least nine other alleged victims, abused as young as age six. Additional criminal charges were filed in 9/2006 alleging abuse of a boy 1994-1995. Pleaded not guilty in 11/2006. Convicted in 2008. Diagnosed as a  “repetitive and compulsive sexual offender.” Sentenced in 9/2008 to an additional 18 years. Died 2/29/2016 at the New Jersey Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Woodbridge NJ. On the diocese’s list 2/13/2019. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese’s list, which notes sexual abuse alleged in 2002 by Banko in the early 1970s while a seminarian at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s report. Lawsuit filed in 8/2024 under the MD Child Victims Act claims abuse of a boy for 7 years, beginning in 1970 when the boy was age 6.

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.