Man Accused Of Creating Thousands Of AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Images

ANTIOCH, IL — A 42-year-old Antioch-area man faces 13 felony charges after authorities say an investigation uncovered more than 50,000 images and videos of artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material linked to online accounts.

Mark E. Hansen, 42, of the 41100 block of North Lincoln Avenue in unincorporated Antioch, was arrested following an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Team, according to a sheriff's office news release.

The investigation began after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children notified authorities that an electronic device in Lake County was allegedly being used to create AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Detectives traced the activity to Hansen's residence and obtained a search warrant, which was executed Oct. 8 by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Lake County State's Attorney's Office and Illinois Attorney General's Office.

During the search, investigators discovered hundreds of additional AI-generated images and videos that authorities allege Hansen created. The material primarily depicted girls approximately 8 years old engaged in sexual acts with other minors or adults, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators also seized numerous electronic devices that are undergoing forensic examination.

The Lake County State's Attorney's Office approved 13 counts of obscene depiction of a purported child, all Class 2 felonies. Additional charges are anticipated, authorities said.

Detectives are continuing to investigate whether images or videos of actual children were used to create the AI-generated material.