Traverse City Police Investigate Student Who Allegedly Used AI to Create Nude Images of Classmates

Traverse City police opened a criminal investigation after a student at Traverse City Central High School was accused of using artificial intelligence tools to create nude, compromising images of fellow students, the department confirmed after receiving the report on March 10.

TCPD's dedicated Computer Crimes Detective is leading the case, working in close coordination with the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit. Authorities are also coordinating with the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and Central High School administration. The department said it "takes all crimes seriously, especially those that may involve minors. These cases are handled thoroughly and with the highest priority."

No arrests or criminal charges have been reported. Police emphasized that investigations involving advanced technology can take time and asked for the community's patience as the case moves forward.

TCAPS superintendent John VanWagoner confirmed the district contacted law enforcement immediately upon learning of the allegation and is fully cooperating. Parents of students believed to have been affected were notified, which VanWagoner described as standard protocol under the district's safety and security policies.

"We always encourage any students or parents or community member that hears of anything or whatever that may put a student or staff or a building in any kind of danger or an unsafe situation to notify us," VanWagoner said. "But with any specifics, that always is handled by law enforcement."

VanWagoner also acknowledged that the rapid spread of artificial intelligence has fundamentally shifted the challenges schools face in protecting students, and urged parents to pay close attention to how their children are using technology.

No names of the accused student or any alleged victims have been released. The number of students whose images were allegedly created has not been disclosed, nor has any information about how or where the images may have been shared. The investigation remains ongoing.