Teen Arrested for AI-Made Nude Photos of NJ Classmates

JERSEY CITY, N.J. —

A 17-year-old boy was arrested for using artificial intelligence to create and share nude images of classmates in Montgomery Township.

A 17-year-old boy from Montgomery Township was arrested for using artificial intelligence to create nude images of his classmates, according to New Jersey State Police. The teen was charged with distribution and possession of child sexual exploitation material and cyber harassment. The arrest came after a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to a search of the suspect’s home on March 17.

This case highlights the growing misuse of AI in schools, which affects students across New Jersey, including in Hudson County. Parents and educators in Jersey City, Bayonne, and Hoboken should be aware of the risks and talk to their children about digital safety.

The suspect, whose name was not released because he is a minor, was taken to the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a detention hearing. He faces second-degree distribution of child sexual exploitation and abuse material, third-degree possession of such material, and fourth-degree cyber harassment.

In a letter to the community, Board of Education President Patrick Todd and Superintendent Mary McLoughlin said the district is cooperating with law enforcement. They noted that the behavior described is ‘deeply harmful and inconsistent with the values we strive to instill in our schools and community.’

“The safety, dignity, and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities.” — Patrick Todd, Board of Education President, and Mary McLoughlin, Superintendent of Schools

⚡ This incident is part of a troubling trend. In 2023, Westfield High School students used AI to create fake nude images of female classmates. In 2025, two middle school students in Newtown, PA, were charged for similar acts. Experts say AI tools make it easier to create realistic fake images, raising concerns about privacy and exploitation.

The district said it cannot share details about the suspect or potential disciplinary actions due to privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. However, it confirmed that all affected students have been contacted and that counseling is available.

🔄 The district plans to strengthen education on digital safety, responsible technology use, and the risks of AI and social media. Families are urged to talk to their children about respect, consent, and the dangers of sharing images online.

“This is a difficult moment for our school community, but it is also an opportunity to come together, to support one another, to reinforce our shared values, and to guide our students in navigating an increasingly complex digital world.” — Patrick Todd and Mary McLoughlin

The investigation remains active. Police ask anyone with information to contact the New Jersey State Police.

📎 Patch.com