A child psychiatrist from North Carolina received a 40-year prison sentence in Charlotte, N.C. (WNCN) after authorities claimed he utilized artificial intelligence to create child pornography and committed sexual assaults against minors.
David Tatum, a resident of Charlotte aged 41, also faces a 30-year supervised release term following his incarceration.
Despite being knowledgeable about the severe and enduring impact of sexual abuse on victims’ well-being as a child physician, Tatum engaged in the abhorrent practice of producing illicit images and videos of his young patients through covert recordings, stated U.S. Attorney Dena J. King of the North Carolina Western District. Tatum even went as far as employing artificial intelligence to exploit children, demonstrating the utmost depravity. The 40-year sentence underscores our commitment to ensuring justice for child victims. Our mission is to prosecute individuals who misuse technology, such as artificial intelligence, to harm children as advancements in this field continue.
Court records and testimonies revealed that Tatum allegedly had access to pornographic images and videos involving minors from 2016 to 2021.
According to prosecutors, Tatum surreptitiously photographed a young child in July 2016 while they were getting ready and defecating. He possessed and produced images of the child, along with other explicit content, based on an examination of his electronic devices.
Authorities further disclosed that Tatum covertly recorded similar incidents involving other individuals, including one occurring during an outpatient visit with a person who had recently turned 18, as per the prosecution.
It is appalling to contemplate the clandestine surveillance of children during intimate moments for personal gratification. Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Charlotte Field Office expressed disbelief that an individual entrusted with aiding children facing mental health challenges would engage in such reprehensible behavior. The FBI remained steadfast in its efforts to apprehend offenders like Tatum for an extended period.
Tatum was found guilty by a federal judge in Charlotte on May 4 of various charges related to child pornography production, transportation, and possession. Upon assignment to a federal facility, the Federal Bureau of Prisons will assume custody of him.
As mandated by the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act, Tatum is required to pay restitution, the amount of which will be determined within 90 days, along with a special assessment of \(100 per conviction count and a total of \)99,000. Following his release, Tatum must register with the Sexual Offender Registry Board in all states and jurisdictions where he resides or works.
The FBI conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.
The prosecution of this case was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark T. Odulio and Daniel Cervantes from the Western District of North Carolina.
Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, brought this case to light. This program coordinates federal, state, and local resources to identify and rescue victims, as well as apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children online. Project Safe Childhood is overseen by the U.S. Attorneys’ Headquarters and the Criminal Division’s Child Abuse and Obscenity Section.
