Charges: School worker took photos of kids, used AI to turn them into sexual abuse material
A former school worker in the Twin Cities and Stillwater already facing state-level child porn charges is now accused by federal authorities of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to turn photographs he took of children in his care into sexual abuse material.
William Haslach, 30, was charged this week by the U.S. Attorney's Office of Minnesota with multiple counts of receipt and possession of child pornography and production of obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse.
Haslach worked as a lunch monitor and traffic guard at Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary and North High in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District between August 2021 and January this year. He also worked as a paraprofessional and youth summer program assistance for Stillwater Area School District from 2021 to 2024.
Per a press release from the USAO, Haslach "used his access to children to take non-explicit photos of children in his care," before then using the images to "produce morphed/AI photos of those minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct."
He was fired last month after he was first charged with child pornography crimes in Ramsey County, but is now facing more than ten federal charges.
"My thoughts are with the many Minnesota parents who will be horrified to learn how Haslach used AI advances to victimize schoolchildren in his care. Rest assured, my office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law," said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
An appeal has been issued to parents of children who may have been under Haslach's care, as authorities believe there may be further victims.
Anyone aware of Haslach taking a photo of their children can contact the Minnesota BCA's Tip Line at 651-793-2465 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us. A website has also been set up for alleged victims of Haslach's actions, which can be found here.
Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement's latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
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