COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man has pleaded guilty to a series of cybercrimes involving harassment, threats, and the creation of explicit images using artificial intelligence, in what federal authorities say is a first-of-its-kind conviction under a new federal law.
James Strahler II, 37, entered the guilty plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Columbus, admitting to cyberstalking, producing obscene visual representations involving minors, and publishing digital forgeries.
Prosecutors say the case marks the first conviction in the nation under the Take It Down Act, a law enacted in 2025 targeting the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including AI-generated content.
Campaign of Harassment
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio, Strahler carried out a months-long campaign of harassment between December 2024 and June 2025 targeting at least six adult women.
Investigators say he used phone calls, voicemails, text messages, and online postings to intimidate victims. The messages often included explicit images—some real and others generated using artificial intelligence.
In one instance, prosecutors said Strahler created and distributed manipulated videos depicting a victim in graphic and disturbing scenarios, sending them to her coworkers. He also allegedly contacted victims’ family members, demanding explicit images and threatening to release fabricated content if they refused.
Authorities said he frequently left disturbing voicemails, including threats of sexual violence, and referenced victims’ home addresses to heighten fear.
Use of AI to Create Explicit Content
Federal investigators discovered that Strahler had installed more than two dozen AI platforms and over 100 web-based AI models on his phone.
Using those tools, he created hundreds of explicit images and videos. Some involved adult victims, while others involved minors whose faces were digitally altered and placed into obscene content.
Prosecutors said Strahler generated more than 700 images that were posted to a website associated with child sexual abuse material. An additional 2,400 files found on his phone were flagged for containing nudity, manipulated child abuse imagery, or violent content.
Involvement of Local and Federal Agencies
The investigation began with reports to the Hilliard Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office before being taken over by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Strahler was arrested on federal charges in June 2025.
Prosecutors Emphasize New Legal Tools
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II said the case highlights the federal government’s commitment to addressing emerging threats tied to artificial intelligence.
“We will not tolerate the abhorrent practice of posting and publicizing AI-generated intimate images of real individuals without consent,” Gerace said. “We are committed to holding accountable offenders who use this technology to intimidate and harass others.”
What Comes Next
Strahler now faces sentencing before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison at a later date. His sentence will be determined based on federal guidelines and statutory factors.
Federal officials say the case could set a precedent as law enforcement agencies nationwide confront the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in harassment and exploitation cases.
