Indiana State Representative Targeted by AI-Generated Sextortion Deepfake
A digitally manipulated sexually explicit image of Indiana State Representative Maureen Bauer was created and used in a sextortion scheme. Bauer reported the incident to state police and the FBI, who are investigating the case under Indiana and federal laws against non-consensual deepfakes.
What happened
A digitally manipulated image of State Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend, surfaced online as part of what is described as a sextortion attempt. Bauer was first notified by email about the image on September 3, 2025.
Bauer filed reports with the Indiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The image was described as false, non-consensual, and intended to harass and intimidate. Bauer's office stated that to their knowledge, the material has since been removed.
Reported impact
The Indiana House of Representatives communications director stated that no one should be subjected to deepfake exploitation and the creation of altered sexual images, characterizing such acts as a form of abuse.
Index analysis
Creating or distributing non-consensual pornographic deepfakes is a misdemeanor offense under Indiana state legislation passed in 2024. Under federal law, publication of non-consensual sexual images is punishable by prison time.
Governance controls
Bauer's office is working with appropriate platforms and legal channels to have the image removed and those responsible held accountable. Anyone who creates, shares, or distributes the image may face criminal charges under Indiana's non-consensual image and deepfake statutes, as well as potential federal charges, and civil remedies may also be pursued.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.