Instructor Who Created AI-Generated Abuse Material Arrested in Rhode Island

A former gymnastics and dance instructor in Rhode Island, USA, has been taken into custody on charges of producing artificial intelligence-supported child sexual abuse material using photographs of children and possessing child pornography.

According to a statement by the U.S. Attorney's Office for Rhode Island, 38-year-old former instructor Joseph Mello was arrested on charges of attempting to produce child pornography, receiving child pornography, accessing with intent to view, and producing obscene visual representations of child abuse. It was reported that Mello had previously worked as an instructor and participant at various gymnastics, dance, and baton-twirling facilities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Federal prosecutors stated that Mello attempted to create child sexual abuse material by filming a child in the bathroom and locker room of a dance studio where he took classes. Authorities noted that the suspect took photographs of multiple children at the facilities where he worked and used these photos to generate AI-based abuse images and videos. Investigators also alleged that Mello possessed other abuse material.

Mello, who was arraigned on Monday, is being held in temporary custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.