WEATHERFORD, TX – A U.S. Department of Justice IT specialist is facing serious charges in Texas after allegedly administering an abortion drug to his girlfriend without her knowledge, leading to the loss of their unborn child.
Authorities in Parker County have charged Justin Anthony Banta, 38, with capital murder and tampering with evidence.
The case unfolded in September when the woman informed Banta that she was pregnant with his child. According to investigators, Banta suggested she terminate the pregnancy and offered to buy her the Plan C drug. The woman, however, expressed her desire to continue with the pregnancy.
On October 17, the woman, then six weeks pregnant, attended a medical appointment where a sonogram indicated the fetus had a strong heartbeat and appeared healthy. That same day, the couple met at a coffee shop in Tarrant County. Investigators allege that during this meeting, Banta covertly added an abortion drug to the woman’s drink.
The following day, the woman experienced severe fatigue and heavy bleeding, symptoms that prompted her to seek emergency medical care, where she was informed she had suffered a miscarriage.
In the course of their investigation, detectives interviewed Banta and seized his phone for evidence. However, authorities believe he remotely erased the phone’s data before it could be thoroughly examined, potentially destroying evidence of his purchase of the drug and any incriminating browser searches.
An arrest warrant for tampering with evidence was issued by Parker County Sheriff’s deputies, while Texas Rangers apprehended Banta on the charges of capital murder in Tarrant County. Banta, arrested last Friday, was transported to Parker County Jail and has since posted bail. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
Sheriff Russ Authier acknowledged the cooperation of the coffee shop owners, noting that their assistance was instrumental in the investigation leading to Banta’s arrest. A spokesperson from the Department of Justice has not responded to inquiries regarding Banta’s employment status following the charges.