Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta Star Erica Banks Seeks Help After Arrest

The rapper was arrested in Georgia after allegedly discovering drugs; in the brand new episode Erica Banks seeks help from a former US Marshall and publicist.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Erica Banks was arrested in Georgia after she was caught with drugs in an allegedly stolen car in December 2025. In the new season 13 episode, Erica meets with a former US Marshall and a publicist to get help navigating the situation and the public scrutiny she is facing.

Why it matters

As a public figure, Erica's arrest and the resulting media attention could have serious implications for her career and public image. The episode highlights the challenges celebrities face when dealing with legal troubles and the court of public opinion.

The details

Erica tells the former US Marshall, Thomas Ricks, that she was arrested at the airport after TSA found drugs in her purse, calling it an "honest mistake." Ricks informs Erica that she could face felony charges and have her travel restricted for 3-5 years as the case progresses. Erica breaks down in tears, worried about how this will impact her ability to travel for work. Erica's publicist, Clarissa Wright-Thomas, advises her on how to manage the PR fallout, telling Erica she needs to decide how she wants the public to perceive her during this struggle.

  • Erica Banks was arrested in Georgia in December 2025.
  • Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta season 13 premiered on February 17, 2026.

The players

Erica Banks

A rapper and star of the reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, who was recently arrested in Georgia on drug charges.

Thomas Ricks

A former US Marshall who is advising Erica Banks on how to handle the legal and public relations fallout from her arrest.

Clarissa Wright-Thomas

Erica Banks' publicist, who is helping her navigate the public relations challenges of her arrest.

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What they’re saying

“This is all new to me, so I am just here, you know, quick trip to the airport, just an honest mistake. Going through TSA, and my purse gets pulled, and I am just dealing with it.”

— Erica Banks

“So we're looking at a couple of felony charges. They can put a freeze on your travel, which means three to five years as the case progresses through court.”

— Thomas Ricks, Former US Marshall

“The hard part about this is being a public figure; you still have your business to run. With that, there are some things to do on the PR side. So what do you want the world to know right now? I see a person who is pushing through a struggle, and you cannot really fall right now.”

— Clarissa Wright-Thomas, Publicist

“When I deal with real situations in front of the world, it's like I have to deal with their judgment too. And it's a lot. I am getting emotional. I feel like the world is falling on me.”

— Erica Banks

What’s next

The judge in Erica Banks' case will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow her to continue traveling for work as the legal proceedings move forward.

The takeaway

Erica Banks' arrest and the public scrutiny she faces highlights the unique challenges that celebrities and public figures encounter when dealing with legal troubles. Her story underscores the importance of having the right team of advisors to help navigate these situations and protect one's public image.