Georgia pastor, wife charged after people found imprisoned in basement

A Georgia couple has been charged after multiple disabled people were found locked in the basement of their “unlicensed ‘group home.'”

Curtis Keith Bankston, 55, and his wife Sophia Simm-Bankston, 56, “were operating an unlicensed ‘group home’ or personal care facility” at a location which was “under the guise of a Church known as One Step of Faith 2nd Chance.”

They have now been charged with false imprisonment.

It all started when Police were alerted while Griffin Fire personnel were responding to assist Spalding Regional EMS with a patient having a seizure.

Upon arrival, personnel from Griffin Fire and Spalding Regional EMS discovered that the entryway to the basement was dead bolted. They then entered the room by crashing through a window and then notified Police.

An investigation was soon followed and it was found that there were at least 8 individuals, aged 25 to 65, locked in the basement by the “caretakers.” The couple had been leasing the property for just over a year and were using the basement as a personal care home.

The individuals were found to be “imprisoned” against their will which “created an extreme hazard” as they could not exit the premises even if there was an emergency. It was also found that most of the individuals locked in the basement were either physically and/or mentally disabled.

Curtis Keith Bankston who according to Police, “claims to be a ‘Pastor,'” was determined to be behind this entire operation. He was assisted by his wife, Sophia.

The Bankstons, through their attorney, have denied keeping anyone against their will. Their attorney and some supporters are calling this an “attack” on the “ministry.”

According to the Police, the couple was also found to be in control of the disabled individuals finances and public benefits.

It was further determined that the Bankstons were in control of the disabled individuals’ finances, medications, and public benefits.

Griffin Police Department.

It was also determined that the victims were denied their medications and sometimes, medical care as well, according to the Police.

Authorities are now finding any loved ones of those “under the care [of the Bankstons], either currently or in the past.” The loved ones are urged to contact Investigator Clark at 770-229-6450, ext 544.

All the affected individuals are now being taken care of by the Georgia Department of Human Services.