WEATHERFORD, TX – A Justice Department employee from the IT department is facing serious charges after allegedly administering an abortion-inducing drug without consent, resulting in the loss of his girlfriend’s pregnancy, according to Texas authorities.

Justin Anthony Banta, 38, has been charged with capital murder and evidence tampering, as reported by the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation began after Banta’s girlfriend disclosed in September that she was pregnant with his child. Banta purportedly urged her to consider an abortion, suggesting he would purchase the medication necessary for terminating the pregnancy. However, she expressed her desire to carry the child to term, officials reported.

On October 17, the girlfriend, who was approximately six weeks pregnant, attended a medical appointment where a sonogram confirmed a healthy fetus with a strong heartbeat. Later that day, the couple met at a coffee shop in Tarrant County. Authorities suspect Banta used this opportunity to surreptitiously mix the abortion drug into her beverage.

Investigators revealed that the following day, the woman suffered from severe fatigue and excessive bleeding, leading her to seek medical attention at an emergency room, where she was informed of a miscarriage.

During their investigation, detectives interrogated Banta and seized his phone as part of the evidence collection process. However, it’s alleged that Banta remotely executed a factory reset on the device, potentially erasing evidence such as drug purchase history or internet searches related to the miscarriage.

Following these developments, Parker County authorities obtained a warrant for Banta’s arrest on charges of tampering with evidence. The Texas Rangers subsequently apprehended him for capital murder in Tarrant County. Banta was taken into custody on Friday and has since been released on bond. It’s currently unknown if he has legal representation.

Sheriff Russ Authier commended the coffee shop’s management for their cooperation, which played a crucial role in the arrest of Banta.

At this time, the Department of Justice has not commented on Banta’s employment status following these serious allegations.