Police: Portsmouth Man Sexually Assaulted Three Women

After a multi-month investigation into allegations that a local man had used a social media site to reportedly contact, meet, and sexually assault a number of women.

James A. Banks, 21, of Richards Avenue in Portsmouth, was arrested on April 2, 2015, on a fugitive from justice charge. He is being held in the York Maine County Jail.

According to Capt. Mike Schwartz of the Portsmouth Police Department, detectives began to investigate the allegations in January of this year. It’s alleged that Banks “contacted each of the victims through a social media site and convinced them to meet with him in Portsmouth.”

Schwartz added, “Once together, Banks victimized each woman.”

When he is brought back to New Hampshire, police will charge Banks with three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of criminal restraint, single counts of kidnapping and possession of drugs with intent to distribute (cocaine), and numerous misdemeanor level crimes, according to police.

Detectives are looking to hear from anyone who might have information about these assaults or the investigation. Contact Detective Bernier at 603-610-7529. Residents can also submit tips to the Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 603-431-1199.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.