Content warning: This article describes pregnancy trauma. Please take care while reading.
A shocking case is unfolding in North Texas, where a federal IT employee faces serious charges, including capital murder and evidence tampering. Authorities allege he was involved in the covert termination of his pregnant girlfriend’s pregnancy.
Justin Anthony Banta, 38, was taken into custody on Friday, June 6, 2025, by the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. His arrest followed a multi-month investigation that uncovered disturbing claims of digital manipulation, secret drugging, and the tragic loss of a pregnancy
The heartbreaking chain of events
According to Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier, the investigation began in September 2024. At that time, the victim informed Banta, with whom she was in a romantic relationship, that she was pregnant. As tensions rose, Banta reportedly encouraged her to end the pregnancy using “Plan C,” a term referring to abortion pills available online. However, the victim was clear that she wished to carry the baby to term.
The situation took a tragic turn on October 17, 2024. Just six weeks into her pregnancy, the woman received confirmation during a routine sonogram that her baby was healthy and had a strong heartbeat. Later that same day, she met Banta at a coffee shop in Tarrant County. She subsequently told investigators she suspected Banta had spiked her drink with medication intended to induce an abortion.
Within 48 hours, on October 19, the woman experienced severe symptoms and sought emergency medical care. She tragically lost her baby that day, an event she believes was directly caused by the alleged secret dosing.
Digital interference raises alarms
The inquiry intensified dramatically when investigators discovered that Banta, who worked in the IT department of the U.S. Department of Justice, had remotely reset his phone after it had been seized as evidence. Law enforcement officials believe this was a deliberate attempt to destroy potentially incriminating data related to the case.
This suspected digital interference led to a felony charge for tampering with physical evidence. The more severe charge of capital murder was filed by the Texas Rangers in Tarrant County.
Banta was initially held at the Parker County Jail on both active charges. He has since been released after posting a $500,000 bond for the capital murder charge and a $20,000 bond for the evidence tampering charge. His attorney, Michael Heiskell, has publicly stated that Banta maintains his innocence.
A coordinated multi-agency response
Sheriff Authier commended the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, acknowledging the complex and sensitive nature of the case. Agencies involved included the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers, the Benbrook Police, the U.S. Secret Service, the Regional Organized Crime Information Center, and the FBI.
This distressing case highlights concerns over the misuse of abortion medications and the potential vulnerabilities created when individuals with technical expertise allegedly exploit their knowledge for criminal acts. In a state like Texas, where reproductive rights are already a contentious issue, the accusations against Banta—that he intentionally ended a pregnancy without consent—are particularly alarming.
