Fargo Police Arrest Grandmother After AI Facial Recognition Error

Tennessee woman spent months in jail before her innocence was proven, now weighing civil rights lawsuit

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:08am

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Angela Lipps, a Tennessee grandmother, was arrested in July 2025 after Fargo Police used AI facial recognition technology to mistakenly identify her as a suspect in a bank fraud scheme. Lipps was held for months before her lawyers were able to prove she was not the actual suspect. Lipps has hired a legal team to pursue potential civil rights claims against the Fargo authorities, focusing on accountability and ensuring this type of mistake does not happen again.

Why it matters

This case raises broader concerns about the use of AI technology in law enforcement, particularly the potential for false identifications that can lead to the wrongful arrest and detention of innocent individuals. It highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability when using AI systems that can have significant impacts on people's lives.

The details

In July 2025, Fargo Police arrested Angela Lipps, a Tennessee grandmother, after an AI facial recognition system allegedly linked her to a bank fraud scheme. Lipps was held for months before her lawyers were able to prove in December that she was not the actual suspect. No official lawsuit has been filed yet, but Lipps has hired a legal team to pursue potential civil rights claims against the Fargo authorities. The lawyers, Eric Rice and Dane DeKrey, are focused on clearing Lipps' name, addressing the trauma she suffered, and ensuring accountability to prevent similar mistakes in the future. They are also seeking potential compensation for the harm caused to Lipps.

  • Lipps was arrested in July 2025.
  • Lipps' innocence was proven in December 2025.

The players

Angela Lipps

A Tennessee grandmother who was wrongfully arrested by Fargo Police due to an AI facial recognition error.

Eric Rice

One of the lawyers hired by Lipps to pursue potential civil rights claims against the Fargo authorities.

Dane DeKrey

The other lawyer hired by Lipps to pursue potential civil rights claims against the Fargo authorities.

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What they’re saying

“This is the type of situation that should be scary to all of us.”

— Eric Rice, Lawyer

“The cloud of suspicion has not been fully lifted from her. She's troubled, she's suffered, she's received emotional distress.”

— Eric Rice, Lawyer

“Our primary focus is on accountability and understanding where things fell short and making sure it doesn't happen again.”

— Eric Rice, Lawyer

“A grave harm did occur. It is extremely traumatic to grab someone without any understanding of why they're being detained, dragged across the country to an unfamiliar place, and standing extremely serious charges without knowing what's going to happen.”

— Eric Rice, Lawyer

What’s next

The legal team is still waiting on files from the state's attorney's office to move the case forward, and they are unable to provide a timeline on when a lawsuit might be filed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability when using AI technology in law enforcement, as the potential for false identifications can lead to the wrongful arrest and detention of innocent individuals. It underscores the importance of ensuring that AI systems are thoroughly tested and monitored to prevent such devastating mistakes from occurring.