Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Charged with Creating AI-Generated Child Abuse Material
Pennsylvania State Police corporal Stephen Kamnik was charged with creating thousands of deepfake pornographic images using his department-issued computer, including synthetic depictions of children and without-consent images of coworkers. Authorities discovered the activity after noticing unusual bandwidth use on his assigned computer and found evidence he also secretly recorded women and accessed child sexual abuse material.
What happened
Pennsylvania State Police corporal Stephen Kamnik, 38, stationed at Troop K in Skipack, used his department-issued computer to create thousands of deepfake pornographic images of multiple women, including coworkers and women he met while on duty.
Investigators found that Kamnik secretly recorded coworkers and other women, and used those images along with mug shots and driver's license photos to generate deepfake pornography. Some of the deepfake images depicted children. Kamnik also downloaded and viewed child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began in November when state police officials noticed Kamnik's assigned computer was using an unusually high amount of internet bandwidth. Kamnik was arrested after the investigation revealed additional charges related to breaking into a female locker room at the barracks and possessing a stolen .22-caliber pistol.
Reported impact
The deepfake pornography targeted multiple women, including coworkers and women Kamnik encountered during his police duties. Some victims were depicted without consent in sexually abusive material created using AI technology.
Governance controls
Kamnik has been suspended without pay pending the investigation. He was charged with child pornography, unlawful use of a computer, unlawful duplication, and related crimes.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.