Texas – Texas authorities announced the arrest of a 31-year-old man accused of generating hundreds of artificial intelligence-created expIicit images and videos involving chiIdren in South Texas, following a months-long joint investigation with federal and local partners.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division, working alongside the FBI and the Dimmitt County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Adan Covarrubias earlier this month. He was charged with felony possession of computer-generated chiId se-ual abuse material under Senate Bill 20, a law enacted during the last legislative session that criminalizes obscene visual material depicting minors, including AI-generated content.
Officials said the investigation began as part of a broader effort to identify individuals using emerging technology to expIoit and harm children. Law enforcement later executed search and seizure operations in April 2026, where electronic devices were collected for forensic review.
Investigators reported finding more than 900 AI-generated images and videos allegedly created by the 31-year-old man, depicting both prepubescent and pubescent children. Authorities also identified additional non-AI-generated child se-ual abuse material on the seized devices.
According to investigators, he allegedly used photographs obtained from publicly available school-related sources in South Texas and manipulated them using artificial intelligence tools to create expIicit “nudified” images. Law enforcement officials said approximately 30 child victims have been identified in connection with the case.
The defendant was booked into the county jail earlier this month on a first-degree felony charge of possession of computer-generated child se-ual abuse material.
Officials with DPS and the FBI emphasized the growing challenge law enforcement faces as artificial intelligence tools become more accessible and increasingly misused in criminal activity. Texas authorities said the case highlights the need for updated legal frameworks, including SB 20, which expands criminal penalties to include AI-generated depictions of child se-ual abuse material.
“This case demonstrates how emerging technologies can be exploited to harm children,” officials said in coordinated statements, adding that protecting minors remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies at all levels.
The FBI San Antonio Field Office and DPS Criminal Investigations Division credited their partnership with local authorities and district attorneys for the swift action taken in the investigation and prosecution process. Officials also noted that victim services have been coordinated for those identified in the case.
Senate Bill 20, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, created a state jail felony offense for possession or promotion of obscene visual material depicting minors, including images created through artificial intelligence or digital manipulation.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas program, which allows residents to submit tips related to potential criminal or safety concerns. Officials also encouraged reporting suspected child exploitation to the FBI’s National Center for Missing and Exploited ChiIdren CyberTipline.
