According to prosecutors, a child psychiatrist from North Carolina, David Tatum, 41, was sentenced to 40 years in prison last year for using artificial intelligence to manipulate clothed images of adolescents into sexually explicit content. He also recorded them while they were dressing and showering. Some of the victims were reportedly his own patients.
Despite being aware of the severe and lasting impact of sexual abuse on children, Tatum engaged in the reprehensible act of creating illicit images and videos using private recordings of his patients. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King emphasized the misuse of artificial intelligence by Tatum, stating that his actions victimized children and highlighted the need to seek justice for child victims.
In addition to the 40-year prison sentence, Tatum was also sentenced to four years in jail and three years of supervised release. He was found guilty of creating child pornography, transporting it, and possessing it. Following his release, Tatum may be required to register as a sex offender.
FBI special agent Robert M. DeWitt expressed shock at the discovery that a doctor entrusted with helping children with mental health issues would secretly record them for personal gratification. The case underscores the importance of holding predators accountable, especially those who exploit evolving technologies like artificial intelligence to harm children.
