Amity, AR — A Clark County man was sentenced to 90 years in prison this week for allegedly producing and possessing child sexual abuse material, including images reportedly created using artificial intelligence.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Ethan Tanner Fagan, 33, of Amity, pleaded guilty Friday to 30 counts of possessing CSAM (child sexual abuse material). He also received an additional 10 years plus a 15-year suspended sentence for allegedly producing CSAM and another 6 years for promoting obscene material.
Investigators said the disturbing content included AI-generated images depicting explicit scenes involving both children and adults from Clark County and nearby areas. The images were allegedly discovered during a 2024 investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Arkansas State Police agents were assisted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Cleveland field office.
Authorities began the investigation on April 27, 2024, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement later uncovered communications and image exchanges between Fagan and an individual in Ohio, according to authorities.
Arkansas State Police Sergeant Corwin Battle, commander of the ICAC Task Force, stated the case underscores the increasing role of AI in criminal exploitation. “Our commitment is unwavering to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who exploit children, whether through traditional means or emerging tools like AI,” Battle said.
Clark County Prosecutor Dan Turner credited law enforcement cooperation and the task force’s ability to adapt to emerging technologies. “This result should send a message that Clark County will not tolerate the abuse of children through CSAM or the use of AI technology to victimize children or adults alike,” Turner said.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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