James Strahler has pleaded guilty
Noman Sabit: A 37-year-old Ohio man, James Strahler, has pleaded guilty to using artificial intelligence (AI) to create sexually explicit fake images of women to intimidate and harass them, marking the first conviction under a new federal deepfake law in the United States.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, Strahler was charged with cyberstalking, producing visuals of child sexual abuse material, and publishing digital forgeries.
The charge related to publishing digital forgeries falls under the “Take It Down Act,” a law passed in 2025. U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace said Strahler is believed to be the first person convicted under this legislation.
Prosecutors said Strahler used AI to create more than 700 explicit images and videos involving adult women and minors without their consent and sent threatening messages to victims.
Investigators found that he used multiple AI platforms to generate and distribute fake content online, in some cases sharing it with victims’ family members and coworkers to further harass them.
Strahler was arrested on federal charges in June 2025 and later pleaded guilty in court. His sentencing will be announced at a later date.
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Under the “Take It Down Act,” creating or publishing non-consensual intimate images—including AI-generated deepfakes—is a criminal offense. The law also requires platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of a victim’s complaint.
The legislation was introduced jointly by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and passed with bipartisan support. First Lady Melania Trump also played a key role in advocating for the law.
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