Florida Teacher Arrested for Creating AI Child Pornography Using Student Images
A Florida sixth-grade teacher was arrested for allegedly using AI image generation technology to create child sexual abuse material, potentially incorporating photographs of his own students. The investigation began following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and authorities allege McKeown distributed images via Discord while at school using the school's network.
What happened
David McKeown, a sixth-grade teacher at United Brethren in Christ (UBIC) Academy in Central Florida, was arrested on charges related to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Authorities allege that McKeown used AI image generation technology to create pornographic images, potentially using photographs of his own students as source material.
The investigation began in early June 2025 following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Holly Hill Police Department alleges that McKeown shared and downloaded approximately 30 images via Discord while connected to the school's Wi-Fi network during school hours, and also shared students' personal information with other users.
Reported impact
McKeown was charged with 19 enhanced felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and six counts of possession of animal pornography. If convicted, he faces up to 315 years in prison.
UBIC Academy terminated McKeown's employment and stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The school confirmed it has been made aware of the serious allegations of misconduct.
Index analysis
The case demonstrates the use of AI image generation tools to create child sexual abuse material using real student photographs as source images. The perpetrator's access to both AI tools and student images through his employment created the conditions for the abuse.
Governance controls
School authorities had employed monitoring and safeguarding policies, but McKeown conducted the alleged activities using the school's Wi-Fi network during school hours, suggesting gaps in network oversight or monitoring of staff activity.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.