Illinois

February 26, 2026

40+ girls from grades 5 through 12

Students used AI to generate sexually explicit pornographic images depicting 40+ female classmates and younger students, then distributed them among peers. Administration immediately contacted police, who opened a criminal investigation.

Outcome: Active criminal investigation with a subpoena for Snapchat records; school-based disciplinary consequences issued. Case to be referred to State's Attorney's Office.

June 2, 2025

At least 5 identified underage female victims (ages 13–17), plus thousands of additional unidentified images.

Michael B. Erickson, 19, an NIU student and Batavia HS graduate, was charged after authorities found over 20,000 images, including AI-generated deepfake nudes of former Batavia HS classmates, on his devices. He admitted to selling the images, with one victim as young as 13.

Outcome: Erickson charged with 21 felony counts, including production, dissemination, and possession of child pornography. Released on electronic monitoring.

April 2025

At least 5 identified former high school classmates (ages 13-17); thousands of additional unidentified victims

An NIU student used AI 'nudification' tools from his dorm room to create nude deepfake images of female acquaintances, mostly former high school classmates who were minors. He also sold these AI-generated images via Snapchat and Telegram. The investigation was triggered by a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Outcome: Arrested and charged with 21 felony counts including production, dissemination, and possession of child pornography. Removed from campus housing.

March 11, 2024

22–30 female students and 3 teachers

A student used AI 'nudify' technology to alter prom photos of female classmates into sexually explicit nude images, which were then distributed. Victim Stevie Hyder, 15, spoke out publicly after discovering deepfakes made from her photo.

Outcome: Two minors arrested and charged with multiple counts of child pornography (Class 1 and 3 felonies) and distribution of harmful materials.

January 25, 2024

Female students at Lake Zurich High School

A male student at Lake Zurich High School was charged with child pornography after allegedly creating and sharing AI-generated nude images of female classmates. The images were digitally altered to depict the victims without their clothing.

Outcome: The student was charged with two counts of child pornography and one count of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images. He was taken into custody and appeared in court.