Wake County Teen Faces 10th Felony Charge for AI-Generated Explicit Images

A Wake County teenager has been charged with a 10th felony offense related to the alleged creation of sexually explicit images using artificial intelligence. The juvenile, who was previously accused of nine Class E felony charges, now faces an additional charge of sexual exploitation of a minor in connection with AI-generated images of underage girls.

The new charge involves a victim whose parent spoke anonymously with WRAL last week, expressing frustration that prosecutors had not initially filed a charge involving the manipulated images of her daughter. The Knightdale Police Department has since confirmed that this victim will be added to the investigation, accounting for the 10th and latest charge in their ongoing case.

The parents of several local girls have come forward, alleging that their daughters were victims connected to the juvenile investigation. These mothers claim that their daughters learned over the summer that non-explicit photos taken from various sources, including social media, had been altered using AI to depict them in a sexually explicit manner. The exact number of potential victims remains unclear at this time.

The Knightdale Police Department has stated that they will not release any additional information or provide further comment on the case due to its ongoing nature and the involvement of juvenile victims and offenders. In accordance with North Carolina law, no details regarding the identities of those involved or other specifics of the investigation can be disclosed at this time.

The Knightdale Police Department remains committed to protecting children, thoroughly investigating crimes, and holding offenders accountable under the law. This commitment is reflected in their statement: ‘The Knightdale Police Department remains committed to protecting children…’

North Carolina’s sexual exploitation laws were updated in 2024 to include language prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence as a means of producing pornographic material. Specifically, this update addresses pictures, drawings, video recordings, films, or other visual representations created using technological means such as algorithms or AI.

The teen boy at the center of the Knightdale Police investigation is charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, which is defined in state law as anyone who records, photographs, films, develops, or duplicates material containing a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity. This includes distributing, transporting, exhibiting, receiving, selling, purchasing, exchanging, or soliciting such material.

Parents who have spoken to WRAL on the condition of anonymity expressed concern that content considered sexually explicit by the general public may not be viewed as such under North Carolina’s laws. Joseph Hyde, an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina’s School of Government, confirmed this interpretation: ‘Display does not constitute sexual activity unless the display is of the genitals or pubic area…’

In particular, Hyde noted that displaying female breasts alone would not meet the criteria for sexual exploitation under state statutes. This nuance has sparked debate among parents and experts regarding the scope of North Carolina’s laws in addressing AI-generated explicit images.

The case highlights concerns about the use of artificial intelligence assistants to create sexually explicit content involving minors. As technology continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies must adapt their strategies for investigating crimes related to AI-generated images.