Law enforcement officials in North Dakota are conducting a criminal investigation into allegations that students in the Fargo and West Fargo area created and shared explicit images of other students. According to Attorney General Drew Wrigley, the case involves the use of artificial intelligence to alter photographs and a network of social media accounts for distribution.
The investigation, which is in its early stages, is being led by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in coordination with local police departments. While Fargo Davies High School has been identified as a focus, officials noted that students at other schools are also involved.
Key Takeaways
- An investigation is underway involving students in Fargo and West Fargo schools for allegedly creating and sharing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
- Artificial intelligence was reportedly used to place photos of students onto explicit images.
- The investigation began after a school resource officer discovered an image being shared on Snapchat.
- More than 50 phones have been seized, and multiple search warrants have been executed at Fargo Davies High School.
- No arrests have been made as the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation Unfolds in Fargo and West Fargo
The inquiry began when a school resource officer (SRO) discovered that a high school student had allegedly shared an explicit image featuring the face of a middle-school-aged girl. The SRO reported the finding to the West Fargo Police Department, which initiated a broader investigation.
Investigators soon uncovered what Attorney General Drew Wrigley described as a “web of Snapchat accounts” allegedly used to distribute the materials. This led to the identification of several other victims and individuals suspected of involvement. The scope of the investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the BCI, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments of Fargo and West Fargo.
Understanding the Technology Involved
The case highlights the growing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence. Investigators allege that some students used AI tools to digitally alter innocent photographs of their peers, placing their faces onto pre-existing child sexual abuse materials. This creates fabricated but highly realistic and harmful content.
Law Enforcement Response and Official Statements
During a press conference, Attorney General Wrigley provided details on the investigation's progress. He confirmed that law enforcement has seized more than 50 phones over the past two weeks as part of the inquiry. Most of these devices are still being processed for evidence.
The Fargo Public School District released a statement acknowledging the situation. “The Fargo Public School District is aware of an ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation,” the statement read. The district confirmed that BCI executed search warrants at Davies High School on September 22 and September 29 for the “personal property of specific students.”
“The District and Davies High School continue to fully cooperate with BCI as it investigates this matter,” the school district added.
Wrigley emphasized that the schools themselves are not under investigation and have been fully cooperative. He also noted that Snapchat has been compliant with law enforcement requests.
Focus on Suspects and Potential Charges
All individuals who are subjects of the investigation are current students. While many are in high school, Wrigley noted that some are 18 years old. Law enforcement has been in contact with the parents of these students.
Authorities are pursuing a range of serious charges against those found to be responsible for creating or distributing the materials. These potential charges include:
- Unlawful creation and distribution of CSAM
- Promoting an obscene sexual performance by a minor
- Terrorizing
- Simple assault
- Conspiracy
Wrigley also mentioned a potential charge related to possession of a controlled substance that was discovered during the investigation.
Investigation by the Numbers
- 50+: Number of phones seized by law enforcement.
- 3: Search warrants executed at Davies High School.
- 4: Primary law enforcement agencies involved.
Impact on Victims and Community
Attorney General Wrigley made a point to stress the severe impact on the victims, noting that some have faced harassment since the materials began circulating. He urged the community and media to avoid blaming the students whose images were used without their consent.
“It is inappropriate to blame the victims in these instances,” Wrigley stated firmly. “That young man or woman who gets that sent to them, there’s nothing they can do, they can’t make that stop.”
He drew a clear line between passive recipients and active participants in the distribution chain. “But they get to decide whether they want to delete that thing, get rid of it, or they want to share it with someone else, they want to become part of the problem,” Wrigley explained. “Whether they want to become part of the conspiracy, which makes them part of the crime.”
The investigation remains active, with officials continuing to analyze evidence and interview individuals involved. No timeline has been given for when charges might be filed or arrests made.