Erie Man Failed to Register as a Sex Offender as Required by Law

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of failure to register under SORNA, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David John Banak, 47, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Banak traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania after absconding from court supervision in Iowa. After arriving in Erie, Banak failed to register as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Banak.