Arizona man indicted for possessing AI-generated child sexual abuse images
William Powderly was indicted in Arizona's first criminal case involving AI-generated child sexual abuse images, charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor for possessing materials that used AI to superimpose a real child's face onto sexual images. The prosecution was enabled by state legislation signed in 2025 that criminalized creation and possession of such AI-generated material.
What happened
William Powderly, 44, of Chandler, Arizona, was indicted on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor for allegedly possessing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Chandler Police began investigating after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
According to court documents, Powderly had numerous images of child sexual abuse, including two where AI was used to put a real child's face onto sexual images of a young woman. He also had several sexual videos involving grade-school and teenage girls.
Investigators tracked his IP address to obtain his cell phone number and home address. Powderly was taken into custody on April 21 at his home near McQueen and Warner roads.
Reported impact
The case represents the first indictment of its kind in Maricopa County for possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
Index analysis
Arizona HB 2678, sponsored by GOP Rep. Julie Willoughby, made it illegal to create or possess AI-generated child sex abuse images. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs and took effect in September 2025.
Governance controls
Powderly is being held on a $150,000 cash-only bond. In an interview with police, he confirmed his address and phone number but declined to give details and requested an attorney.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.