Former Christian School Teacher Charged with Creating AI-Generated Explicit Images of Students

A former teacher at a North Carolina Christian school has been charged with creating AI-generated explicit images of students. Richard Upright, who worked at Vandalia Christian School in Greensboro, was arrested on Feb. 27 by authorities in Guilford County on charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Investigators allege that Upright used artificial intelligence tools to generate sexually explicit images involving students from the private school. The case was brought to light following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Upright faces 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court documents. A Guilford County judge set a $750,000 bond for him.

The investigation is being led by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives say the alleged crimes involve the use of AI technology to manipulate images into explicit content depicting minors. Officials at Vandalia Christian School confirmed that Upright is no longer employed and that the institution has cooperated fully with law enforcement.

Pastor Ricky Cox of Vandalia Baptist Church and Christian School issued a statement to families, expressing concern over the matter. He confirmed that Upright was terminated from his position following the charges. Cox also noted that school leaders had been in contact with investigators since the allegations surfaced and that the administration had fully cooperated with all investigators.

“We are extremely grateful for the detectives and all the hard work they do to help us protect our community,” Cox said in the statement. Greensboro TV station WFMY-Ch. 2 reported that investigators believe the images were generated using artificial intelligence rather than taken directly from student photographs.

The technology can create altered or entirely fabricated explicit images using existing photographs or digital likenesses. Law enforcement agencies across the United States have increasingly warned about the misuse of generative AI to produce sexualized images involving minors. Such cases highlight the need for vigilance and accountability in protecting vulnerable individuals, as Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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