Police: Portsmouth Man Targeted Escorts on Backpage.com

A man police believe sexually assaulted a number of women during the last few months was arraigned in court today on numerous charges.

James A. Banks, 21, of Richards Avenue in Portsmouth, was arraigned in Portsmouth 10th Circuit District Court after being extradited from York County Maine.

Banks was arraigned on 10 felony counts including four counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, two counts of second-degree assault (by strangulation), kidnapping, two counts of criminal restraint, and one count of possession of drugs (cocaine) with intent to distribute. He was also charged with two counts of false imprisonment, simple assault, criminal threatening, and obstruction report of a crime.

Police obtained a warrant for Banks on April 2, after investigators began looking into allegations against him in January. He was arrested later that day in Maine.

“During the course of this investigation, it was discovered that Banks was targeting escorts through the social media site Backpage.com,” according to Lt. Mark Newport of the Portsmouth Police Department. “Banks arranged for them to meet with him in Portsmouth. Once together, Banks victimized each woman.”

Newport noted that the investigation was ongoing and anyone with more information – including other potential victims of Banks – should come forward and speak with police. Information can be left with Detective Bernier at 603-610-7529 or by contacting the Seacoast Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips can be made to 603-431-1199 or at seacoastcrimestoppers.org.

A probable cause hearing for Banks will be held on April 14.

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.