NEW CASTLE, IN — A New Castle man is accused of using artificial intelligence technology to create pornographic images of a pre-teen girl.
Rocky Lee Johnson Jr., 28, is charged in Henry Circuit Court 1 with three counts of child exploitation, two Level 4 felonies with maximum 12-year sentences, and one Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison.
A detective with the Henry County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at Johnson’s Vickie Lane home on March 6. According to an affidavit, local authorities in September had received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about online activity linked to Johnson’s address.
The tip indicated “sexually explicit images of pre-pubescent females” were being uploaded.
According to the court document, Johnson had communicated online with a woman who reported she was the mother of three children. Investigators said the New Castle man persuaded that woman to send her a photo of her 10-year-old daughter.
Using AI technology, Johnson allegedly created videos that appeared to show that child exposing herself and also being sexually assaulted.
The deputy reported his review of messages on Johnson’s cell phone showed he was aware the girl in the image sent to him was a juvenile.
Asked about the video that showed the girl exposing herself, the New Castle man reportedly said, “I think I should get a lawyer.”
The formal charges were filed on June 16. Johnson was released after posting bond at the Henry County Jail.
His trial has been scheduled for Sept. 21.
Court records reflect no prior charges against the New Castle man.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: New Castle man accused of using AI to create lewd videos showing child
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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By Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press | USA TODAY Network
