Boulder Man Accused of Using AI to Create Explicit Images of Children

Daniel Fairchild faces multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:31pm

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A 72-year-old Boulder County man named Daniel Fairchild has been arrested and accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create sexually explicit images of children. Fairchild was charged with 23 counts of sexual exploitation of a child related to the creation of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) using online generative AI. The investigation began after a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about potential violations on the platform PicsArt.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concerns around the use of advanced technologies like generative AI to create contraband material involving the exploitation of minors. As AI capabilities continue to advance, law enforcement is working to stay ahead of new methods used by offenders to produce and distribute this type of abusive content.

The details

According to authorities, Fairchild is accused of using online generative AI tools to alter real photographs of children and create nude and sexually explicit images of them. The investigation was initiated after the Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about potential violations on the platform PicsArt. PicsArt had reported the suspicious account and images to NCMEC. After tracing the account to the Boulder area, the Colorado ICAC forwarded the information to the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab, which conducted the full investigation.

  • On January 15, 2026, a search warrant was executed at Fairchild's residence in Boulder.
  • On January 27, 2026, Fairchild turned himself in to authorities.

The players

Daniel Fairchild

A 72-year-old Boulder County man who has been accused of using AI to create sexually explicit images of children.

Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force

A law enforcement task force that received the initial tip about potential child exploitation material and forwarded the case to local authorities.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

A nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement to report potential child exploitation material and assist with investigations.

PicsArt

An online platform that flagged and reported suspicious images and an account to NCMEC, leading to the investigation.

Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab (BCDFL)

The law enforcement unit that conducted the full investigation into Fairchild's alleged use of AI to create child sexual exploitation material.

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What’s next

Fairchild is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the 23 charges of sexual exploitation of a child. Authorities will continue to investigate the full scope of his alleged activities and any potential additional victims.

The takeaway

As AI capabilities advance, law enforcement is working to stay ahead of new methods used by offenders to produce and distribute abusive content involving minors. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between technology platforms, nonprofits, and law enforcement to identify and stop the exploitation of children.