IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Lloyd Perry, 52, of Idaho Falls, was arrested Wednesday for possessing thousands of obscene, artificially created images and/or videos of children being sexually abused, according to Attorney General Raúl Labrador.
"This case involves thousands of AI-generated images of child sexual abuse," Labrador said.
A bill recently passed in Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session will make it illegal to possess, create, or have any form of involvement in the production or circulation of AI-generated (artificial intelligence) child pornography - a law already enforced on the federal level.
Therefore, Perry will be tried in federal court, as Idaho's law banning AI child porn has yet to go into effect.
"Idaho's recent law criminalizing AI images of child sexual abuse doesn't go into effect until July 1st, but this case spotlights the critical problem the law now addresses," Labrador added.
Federal law prohibits the "production, advertisement, transportation, distribution, receipt, sale, access with intent to view, and the possession of any child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including realistic computer-generated images," according to the FBI.
Labrador said several agencies assisted the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in the investigation and ultimate arrest of the Idaho Falls man, including the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Rupert Police Department/K9, United States Marshal Service and the United States Attorney's Office.
"As this investigation shows, we are fully committed to continuing our shared mission of identifying and prosecuting offenders who create, possess, or share child pornography," said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. "AI and other emerging technologies will never deter us."
If you or someone you know has any information regarding the exploitation of children, contact the Attorney General's ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or local police.
More information and helpful resources can be found on the ICAC website here.
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