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Man charged with sex trafficking 15-year-old girl at Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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Man charged with sex trafficking 15-year-old girl at Virginia Beach Oceanfront


VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man accused of sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach has been arrested and charged with several crimes.

Johnny Banks, 30, was arrested and remains in jail, accused of sex trafficking the girl and several other related charges, according to federal prosecutors.

In July 2024, Virginia Beach police were notified that the missing teen from Charlotte, N.C. was being held against her will and forced to “sell her body.”

Authorities say she was advertised online and taken to hotels at the Oceanfront and in Suffolk.

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After the arrest, prosecutors allege that Banks was heard on a jail call saying the police messed up “my pimpn.”

The indictment alleges that Banks texted the girl, saying, “lol [JANE DOE] if u think u bouta play with me think again” and then texted “I’ll really out smart u and have u floating in a creek.”

The victim reported that Banks assaulted her, strangled her, and threatened to kill her.

Last summer, WTKR interviewed another survivor who said she was also trafficked at the Oceanfront.

“I ended up falling asleep,” the survivor recounted. “I got woke up to a 9-millimeter being pointed on me and her (trafficker) basically telling me you need to get up and you need to take a shower and you need to put some makeup on you’re going to work.”

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Samaritan House, a nonprofit that provides support to survivors, says they are the leading resource for housing and services for victims of human trafficking in Southeast Virginia.

They report that 26% of victims are minors and that Virginia ranks 15th in the U.S. for reported cases of human trafficking.

Meredith Williams, Samaritan House Crisis Services supervisor, said tourist areas can attract these kinds of crimes.

Williams emphasizes the need for vigilance, urging people to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The WTKR News 3 Investigative Team remains committed to exposing the issue of human sex trafficking and raising awareness to help protect the most vulnerable in the community.

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We reached out to the lawyer representing Banks and she said she couldn’t comment on the case.

Richmond Sheriff’s Candidate William Burnett on ‘Untold – A WTVR Podcast’





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Celebrate bike month with a wild ride at the Virginia Zoo

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Celebrate bike month with a wild ride at the Virginia Zoo


NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Zoo will host its annual Bike Night on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in celebration of National Bike Month. This all-ages event offers guests the opportunity to explore 53 acres of the Virginia Zoo’s beautifully landscaped grounds on designated paths.

This is just one of many events planned throughout the City of Norfolk for National Bike Month.

Animal exhibit trails and the Goat Yard will remain open after-hours, until 7:30 p.m. This unique experience allows visitors to observe animal behaviors after regular operating hours.

Local vendors will also be on hand to assist with bike repairs or accessories.

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Guests can meet Animal Ambassadors for a Zoo Tales story reading at the ZooLive! Stage at 6 p.m. The evening also features an energizing DJ dance party. The Zoo’s young professionals group, GenZoo, will help attendees craft decorations for their helmets. Local businesses like Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods and East Coast Bicycles will offer bike accessories. Community organizations such as Elizabeth River Trail, Visit Norfolk, Spinclusion and Bike Norfolk are also scheduled to attend.

Member tickets for Bike Night cost $8. Non-member adult tickets are $18, and non-member child tickets are $13. Children under two receive free entry, but a reserved “under two” ticket is still required.

The event is likely to sell out, so if you are interested in attending, it’s best to act fast. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at virginiazoo.org/event/bike-night/.

Bike Night will take place rain or shine.

Rules and Safety

  • No Electric Bicycles Permitted (Unless Hybrids with Motors Removed)
  • No skateboards, roller skates, or longboards
  • Helmets must be worn by all attendees under the age of 18.
  • Bikes must be walked on animal trails — no riding.



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Virginia Lottery Pick 3 Night, Pick 3 Day results for May 3, 2026

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Virginia Lottery Pick 3 Night, Pick 3 Day results for May 3, 2026


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The Virginia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

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Here’s a look at May 3, 2026, results for each game:

Pick 3

DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.

Night: 4-2-3, FB: 0

Day: 9-4-1, FB: 4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.

Night: 1-4-3-3, FB: 1

Day: 3-0-3-5, FB: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 5

DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.

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Night: 7-7-5-7-8, FB: 3

Day: 4-1-9-5-8, FB: 1

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Cash Pop

Drawing times: Coffee Break 9 a.m.; Lunch Break 12 p.m.; Rush Hour 5 p.m.; Prime Time 9 p.m.; After Hours 11:59 p.m.

Coffee Break: 05

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After Hours: 09

Prime Time: 13

Rush Hour: 12

Lunch Break: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Cash 5

Drawing every day at 11 p.m.

03-05-09-19-44

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

Drawing everyday at 11:15 p.m.

05-08-15-32-51, Bonus: 03

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Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Center for Community Journalism (CCJ) editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Virginia Tech completes the flip of prized WR Demarcus Brown from Virginia

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Virginia Tech completes the flip of prized WR Demarcus Brown from Virginia


Roanoke (Va.) North Cross School receiver Demarcus Brown tells Rivals he has flipped his commitment from Virginia to Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Brown becomes commit No. 10 for head coach James Franklin and the Hokies in the 2027 class.

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Brown is one of the most prolific players in the state, turning 53 receptions into 1,112 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior with over 60 tackles six interceptions and two forced fumbles when playing defense.

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Future position coach Fontel Mines was the lead recruiter for Brown who had been a verbal to Virginia since December. Once Franklin and the new staff landed at Virginia Tech they quickly prioritized Brown.

Now they have him in the fold.

Rivals ranks Brown as the nation’s No. 49 receiver and No. 10 prospect overall in the state of Virginia.

This Hokies class has some dynamic playmaking ability with Brown joining fellow receiver Anthony Roberts, along with running backs Kelvin Morrison and Stanley Smart as part of the fold.

Virginia Tech is in the mix for a Top25 class this cycle. Browns adds to a haul that Rivals previously ranked No. 31.

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