A child psychiatrist in Charlotte, N.C. has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for using artificial intelligence (AI) to create child pornography. David Tatum, 41, used AI to modify images of his ex-girlfriends with sexually explicit pictures of minors that he found online. He digitally altered pictures from school events and the first day of school to make them sexually explicit. Tatum possessed over 1,000 files of child pornography titles, all containing the phrase “PTHC,” which stands for “pre-teen hard core.” In addition to creating AI images, Tatum secretly recorded his 15-year-old cousin and other family members as they showered. He also made similar surreptitious recordings of other individuals.
Tatum was convicted in May of various charges, including the production, transportation, and possession of child pornography. He has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, followed by 30 years of supervised release. After his release, Tatum will be required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board in any state or jurisdiction where he works or resides.
Dena J. King, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, highlighted the severity of Tatum’s crimes, emphasizing that as a child psychiatrist, he was well aware of the long-lasting impact of sexual exploitation on children. King stated, “Tatum knew the damaging, long-lasting impact sexual exploitation has on the wellbeing of victimized children. Regardless, he engaged in the depraved practice of using secret recordings of his victims to create illicit images and videos of them.” She also mentioned that Tatum’s use of AI to victimize children is particularly concerning.
Robert DeWitt, a Special Agent in charge of the FBI in North Carolina, echoed King’s sentiment, stating, “It is horrific to believe anyone would secretly record children undressing and showering for their own sexual gratification.” He emphasized that the fact that Tatum was a trusted doctor entrusted with helping children with their mental health makes his actions even more inconceivable. DeWitt made it clear that the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that predators like Tatum are held accountable for their crimes.
As the field of artificial intelligence advances, cases like Tatum’s raise important questions about the potential misuse of this technology. The ability to manipulate images and create realistic AI-generated content can have serious implications in various domains, including child exploitation. As AI becomes more powerful and sophisticated, it becomes crucial to implement safeguards to prevent its misuse and protect vulnerable individuals.
Cases like Tatum’s reaffirm the urgent need for comprehensive legislation and ethical guidelines surrounding the use of AI. It is crucial to ensure that technological advancements like AI are utilized for the benefit of society while minimizing the potential for harm. As the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina mentioned, efforts to prosecute predators who exploit AI to harm children will remain a priority.
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