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Franklin Ward 6 Councilwoman Jessica Grant Banks has been accused of brandishing a firearm and threatening a woman in Franklin on Aug. 13. Banks has been charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, according to the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System.

The Southampton County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Monday, Aug. 19, noting that on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the SCSO received a complaint in its lobby from an individual concerning an incident that was alleged to have occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 13, in the 33000 block of Sandy Ridge Road. 

“The complaining party advised that a suspect, Jessica Banks, pointed a gun and threatened her during this incident,” SCSO officials stated. “The complainant requested to speak with a magistrate who issued an arrest warrant for Jessica Grant Banks, 36, of Franklin, for one count of 18.2-282, brandishing a firearm.”

The sheriff’s office noted that an emergency protective order was also issued at that time.  

The Tidewater News reached out to Banks for comment Monday evening, Aug. 19. Banks indicated she had no comment to give on the situation at that time.

Banks was scheduled to appear in Southampton General District Court for arraignment on Tuesday morning, Aug. 20. The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System indicated the hearing was continued, and an attorney review hearing is scheduled for the afternoon of Sept. 17.