Hallandale Beach man accused of raping woman he met at church

At least 1 other victim has come forward, police say

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. ā€“ A Hallandale Beach man was arrested Sunday on sexual battery and kidnapping charges after he raped a woman whom he had met at church, authorities said.

Police said at least one other victim has come forward since his arrest, and they believe that there might be other victims.

According to an arrest report, the victim allowed Elijiah Bankston, 59, to move in with her a week prior to Saturday's attack, after he had been staying at his brother's home.

Police said the victim prepares and delivers food as a source of income, and Bankston was helping her make deliveries on Saturday, when they got into an argument because he felt she wasn't respecting him.

The victim told detectives that she drove Bankston to his brother's home, and he slapped her in the jaw area, causing her teeth implants to become displaced.

Police said the woman grabbed her phone to call for help, but Bankston took it away and put it in his pocket.

Bankston then dragged the woman into his brother's home and raped her for nearly six hours in the master bedroom, the report said.

Ā 

Police said the attack stopped once Bankston's brother came home, and the woman pleaded with Bankston's brother to help her get her car keys and cellphone so she could leave.

The woman eventually left and drove herself to Memorial Hospital Pembroke, where she was treated for her injuries.

The victim identified Bankston to police in a six-person photo lineup.

Bankston also faces charges for violating terms of his probation and obstructing justice.

Anyone who believes they were victimized by Bankston is asked to call Detective Donna Carlson at 954-457-1430.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.