GREENSBORO, N.C. — A former Christian school teacher in North Carolina is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he used artificial intelligence and photo-editing tools to create explicit images involving minors.
Authorities identified the suspect as Richard Lynn Upright, 56, who was arrested Feb. 27 following an investigation by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Upright has been charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to law enforcement officials.
The investigation began on Feb. 23 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip and alerted local authorities, officials said. Detectives later determined that Upright allegedly used artificial intelligence and other digital tools to place the faces of minors onto explicit images.
During a court hearing, investigators testified that 111 explicit images were discovered on Upright’s electronic devices. Authorities believe many of those images were created using AI or other photo-editing software.
At the time the investigation began, Upright was employed at Vandalia Christian School in Greensboro. School officials confirmed he was terminated following his arrest and said the institution is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Authorities also executed a search warrant at the school as part of the investigation, according to local reports.
A judge set Upright’s bond at $750,000. In North Carolina, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class E felony, which can carry a potential sentence of up to 136 months in prison per count if a defendant is convicted.
Officials say the case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create explicit or exploitative images, particularly involving children.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.
