Alberta football coach charged for using AI to create child pornography
A 38-year-old football coach in Lethbridge, Alberta was charged with using AI technology to create sexually explicit images of underage girls and distributing them via messaging apps. The case reportedly represents one of the first times such AI-related deepfake child exploitation charges have been laid in the province.
What happened
Justin Tillery, 38, a junior girls football coach with the Lethbridge Rams and Football Alberta U18 women's teams, was charged by ALERT's internet child exploitation unit with making, distributing, possessing and accessing child pornography.
Tillery used AI to manipulate and sexualize photos of underage girls, with many images shared with others via the messaging app Kik. The investigation dates back to November 2024.
Reported impact
ALERT stated that charges involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material are extremely rare in the province. The allegations are expected to impact athletes, parents, and the football community.
Index analysis
ALERT's internet child exploitation unit characterized this case as part of an emerging reality involving AI applications in daily life and stated they had been prepared for such cases to emerge.
Governance controls
Computers and devices were seized from Tillery's home during his arrest and are being analyzed by ICE investigators. Football Alberta and the Lethbridge Rams confirmed they were informed of the charges and that Tillery was not coaching with the team during the past year.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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