Bowling Green man sentenced for using AI to create 1,300 child sexual abuse images

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Bowling Green man is facing five years in prison for using artificial intelligence to produce over 1,300 images of child sexual abuse material, officials say.

According to a release by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, 37-year-old Ray Gordon was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison followed by a 20-year term of supervised release.

Gordon’s sentencing is for one count of producing obscene visual representations of child abuse and one count of possessing obscene visual representations of child abuse, officials say.

For over a year, the release says Gordon used an AI image generator to make “detailed and obscene images of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.” In many cases, officials say the images “depicted young toddlers and preteen girls engaged in sexual activity with adults and in pain.”

The release further states that in December 2023, Gordon was found in possession of over 1,300 images of child sexual abuse material he had created.

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Unfortunately, child predators are using AI to produce child sexual abuse material. It is tragic how deviants continually adapt new technology to further their twisted and evil fetishes. Our office will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that these deviants are stopped and sent to federal prison.”

Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney Kori Beck Bumgarner stated, “The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is pleased with the outcome in this case. Justice was served, and this offender has been held accountable for his actions. The twenty-year period of supervision will provide an important safeguard for our community, helping to protect children and ensure continued oversight. Measures like this are valuable tools that help keep our communities safe.”

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by HSI.