Psychiatrist Receives 40-Year Sentence for AI Child Pornography

North Carolina Child Psychiatrist Sentenced to 40 Years for AI-Assisted Child Pornography

A North Carolina child psychiatrist, David Tatum, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for using artificial intelligence (AI) to produce child pornography. Tatum, a 41-year-old psychiatrist, will also undergo 30 years of probation after being convicted of using AI technology to create explicit images of children.

Secret Recordings and Exploitation

During the trial, it was revealed that Tatum secretly recorded several teenagers, including his own family members and former patients, while they were undressed. He filmed his 15-year-old cousin and other underage relatives at a family vacation home in Maine. Tatum also secretly recorded the skirt of a former patient during a therapy session, despite the patient having turned 18 years old.

AI-Assisted Creation of Explicit Images

Tatum used “deepfake” websites to digitally alter images of minors wearing clothes and transform them into sexually explicit content. Among the images modified by Tatum were innocent snapshots from a school dance party and the first day of school.

Collection and Admission of Guilt

Prosecutors discovered that Tatum had collected over 1,000 titles of child pornography, some of which included the phrase “PTHC,” indicating hardcore content not suitable for minors. Tatum later admitted to having voyeuristic tendencies, further highlighting his abnormal interests.

Sentence and Consequences

Tatum has been found guilty of producing, transmitting, and possessing child pornography and has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. In addition to the prison sentence, Tatum must pay a special assessment fee of $100 per guilty count and a total fine of $99,000 under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act. Upon release, Tatum will be required to register as a sex offender.

Message of Deterrence and Protection

The sentencing of Tatum sends a strong message that the production and possession of child pornography will be severely punished. It emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, especially in professions related to children. The collaboration between the FBI and local authorities played a crucial role in bringing Tatum to justice.

Ethical Use of Technology and Preventive Measures

Tatum’s use of AI technology to create explicit images raises ethical concerns and highlights the need for responsible and ethical use of such tools. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preventive measures to prevent child exploitation. It underscores the importance of safeguarding children and preventing their exposure to explicit content.

Disclaimer

The news article is based on publicly available information and presents factual reporting without reflecting the opinions or views of the author or platform. All individuals mentioned in the article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The source of the article is The New York Post.