Libertyville teacher charged with using AI to create child sexual abuse images of students
A middle school social studies teacher in Illinois was arrested on felony charges after students reported he took photos and videos of them, then used generative AI to create sexually explicit images. Authorities recovered the altered images on his phone and devices after an investigation that began in June 2026.
What happened
Marshall Sheffer, a 44-year-old social studies teacher at Highland Middle School in Libertyville, Illinois, took photos and videos of current and former students during classroom activities on June 3, 2026, the second-to-last day of the school year.
Sheffer used generative AI to alter the images by digitally placing students' heads onto other bodies to create sexually explicit images. On June 3, several students reported concerns about inappropriate photos and videos taken by Sheffer to school leaders, who immediately removed him from the classroom and placed him on administrative leave.
Libertyville Police obtained Sheffer's phone and recovered multiple altered images. Police also searched his residence and recovered additional electronic devices. Sheffer was arrested on eight felony counts and surrendered to police on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Reported impact
Students were exposed to surveillance in their classroom and their images were used without consent to create child sexual abuse material. The Libertyville School District noted in its statement that students who reported the inappropriate photos and videos 'took an important step that helps us to protect our school community.'
Index analysis
The incident involved the use of generative AI technology to create deepfake sexual abuse images from real photographs of minors without their knowledge or consent. This represents the use of AI to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM) based on authentic images of victims.
Governance controls
The Libertyville School District announced it would review policies about video recording in response to the incident. The district stated that 'Board action on this matter [is expected] as soon as possible' and noted that Sheffer had been an employee for nearly 20 years before his arrest.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.