Johnson City teen to be tried as adult in AI-generated porn case involving classmates - WCYB

A Johnson City, Tennessee teen is accused of using artificial intelligence to create pornographic images of classmates. The suspect allegedly used an AI application to generate nude pictures and videos of the victims using images and videos taken from their social media accounts.

What happened

Court documents allege that Christian Zarate, age 17, created 28 AI-generated sexually explicit photos of female classmates. He allegedly downloaded their photos from social media and used an AI application to generate the photos. Police also found explicit videos and photos of children that Zarate had downloaded, as well as close-up videos of classmates' clothed intimate areas. The suspect is also accused of secretly recording females at work and school. There were reportedly four victims, all 17 or younger at the time of the incidents. The suspect allegedly shared created images in a Discord chat. Zarate faces charges including especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor over 50 images, and unlawful photography. A juvenile court judge ruled the case can be tried in adult court.