Montgomery County Man Arrested for Using AI to Produce Child Pornography

Conroe, TX – A disturbing case has surfaced in Montgomery County involving the misuse of artificial intelligence technology. Roman Shoffner, a 30-year-old resident of The Woodlands, was arrested on June 28, 2024, for allegedly using AI to alter a photograph of a 17-year-old girl, making it appear as though she was nude. The arrest followed an investigation by Montgomery County Precinct 3 officials, who discovered the altered image and other incriminating evidence on Shoffner’s phone.

Incident Details

The investigation began in May 2024 after authorities received a tip about Shoffner’s activities. Using an AI program, Shoffner allegedly altered a photo of the 17-year-old, removing her clothing digitally. The resulting image depicted the girl’s face but with a completely nude body, which constitutes child pornography under Texas law. Shoffner’s phone was seized and forensically analyzed, leading to the discovery of multiple altered images.

Charges and Legal Context

Shoffner has been charged with possession and creation of child pornography and is currently facing severe legal consequences. This case is one of the first in the Houston area involving the use of AI for creating child pornography. Texas House Bill 2700, amended in 2023, specifically addresses the use of deepfake technology and AI for producing sexually explicit visual material, making such actions a criminal offense.

Community Reaction

The case has shocked the local community, raising concerns about the potential misuse of advanced technologies such as AI for criminal activities. Local officials and community leaders emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to prevent such incidents.

For more updates on this story and other local news, visit KHOU and Conroe News.

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