Further Information Released in Cascade AI Photo Arrests

Three juveniles are facing charges following an AI photo incident at Cascade High School earlier this year.

In a press release shared with KMCH on Wednesday morning, the Dubuque County Attorney’s Office and Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department confirm that charges have been filed in Juvenile Court against three juveniles whom law enforcement believe are responsible for generating fake nude photos of numerous high school-aged girls using artificial intelligence programming. Additional charges are expected against a fourth juvenile.

The photos were shared among students, but it is believed that no photos were disseminated beyond those circles. Still, precautionary steps have been taken to scrub any photos from the internet which have been promulgated.

The Dubuque County Attorney’s Office, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department and Dubuque Police are making presentations to students in Dubuque County schools, as well as evening presentations to parents to make them aware of the dangers faced by students from bad actors on the internet and further making parents aware of what to look for on their children’s phones and how they can assist law enforcement pursue and prosecute predatory perpetrators.

The Dubuque County Attorney’s Office and Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department say they will continue to work with partners in law enforcement and Juvenile Court Services to address those cases, but cannot comment further due to the confidential nature of juvenile cases.

The Western Dubuque Community School District has issued the following statement today:

“The district is aware that charges have been filed against three Cascade High School students related to the alleged misuse of AI-generated images.

The safety and wellbeing of every student in our district is our highest priority. As part of our safety plan, any student who has been charged as a creator or distributor of materials like those in question will not be permitted to attend school in person at Cascade Junior/Senior High School.

Due to the ongoing investigation and our legal obligation to maintain student confidentiality, we cannot share further details at this time. Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the County Attorney’s Office.

We are fully cooperating with the law enforcement investigation. At the same time, we are reviewing our policies and supports to ensure our schools remain safe and respectful environments for all students.”