Andy Close
Editor’s Note: The affidavit referenced in the story had more graphic details that YourDailyLocal has decided not to publish due to their sensitive nature.
WARREN, Pa. – A Warren man has been charged with sexual assault relating to an alleged incident that occurred five years ago.
According to court documents, Daniel Frank Banko Jr., 39, has been charged with one count of aggravated indecent assault – without consent, a second-degree felony and one count of indecent assault – without consent, a second-degree misdemeanor. The felony charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and the misdemeanor a maximum of two years in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
According to the City of Warren Police, Banko inappropriately touched a woman in July 2016 after a family gathering.
Police said the alleged victim attended a kayak trip with Banko and his family, per the affidavit of probable cause. That night, at Banko’s parents’ home, the victim told police that after a few hours of sleep, she awoke to Banko touching her.
When the victim stopped Banko he stated, “You’re not going to tell your mother like your…sister did, are you?” per the affidavit.
In December 2017, the victim informed her mother via phone about the alleged incident. The victim’s mother told police that after the victim disclosed the allegation, Banko said it was “a bad mistake.” Banko then sent the victim a message apologizing and asking for forgiveness, according to the affidavit.
Banko told a family member that it was an accident that he thought the victim was someone else, according to the affidavit.
City of Warren Police said Banko did not answer either time they attempted to contact him for a phone interview.
The allegation was first reported to Pennsylvania State Police in June 2021, and turned over to City of Warren PD in July 2021.
Banko was arraigned on Tuesday, July 20 before District Judge Raymond Zydonik and released on $25,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. on Aug. 4.
