Student Accused Of AI Powered Child Exploitation

Student Faces Serious AI Misuse Allegations

A Northern Illinois University student faced charges this week after a police search of his DeKalb dorm room allegedly uncovered over 20,000 images depicting child sexual abuse on his electronic devices. Authorities allege the student used artificial intelligence and photos of individuals he knew to generate these materials, which he then reportedly sold online using Snapchat.

Michael B. Erickson, 19, identified as a graduate of Batavia High School, has been charged with 21 counts related to the possession, creation, and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials.

Investigation Triggered by Cyber Tip

The investigation into Erickson began in April when the Batavia Police Department received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to records. On May 1, a search of Erickson’s Stevenson Tower dorm room by Batavia police and DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies allegedly led to the discovery of multiple electronic devices containing the illicit materials. Erickson was subsequently arrested on Monday on Bayfield Drive in DeKalb.

The AI "Deepfake" Creation Process

Authorities allege Erickson employed artificial intelligence to produce “deep fake” images—digitally altered visuals that convincingly depict events or situations that did not actually occur—to create the abusive content. This incident highlights growing concerns similar to those voiced by others, such as a Richmond-Burton High student speaking out on fake AI generated photos.

According to allegations from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Erickson paid a third-party AI platform to generate these deep fake images. The AI was reportedly used to digitally remove clothing from photos of individuals he knew, making them appear nude. Court filings in DeKalb County on Monday state that Erickson used a combination of deep fakes, photographs, and video to create the materials.

Evidence of Online Sales and Motive

Court records reveal alleged Snapchat conversations indicating the sale of these materials. On March 3, Erickson purportedly told a user, “I charge cheap too 10$ for 10 pics 5$ for 5 and 20$ for 20.” In another exchange on March 5, when asked about his motives, Erickson allegedly replied, “to sell them to boys.” Records further indicate that between February 28 and March 6, Erickson allegedly disseminated and received over 1,000 images and videos of materials depicting child sexual abuse.

Court Proceedings and Release Conditions

Prosecutors from the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion on Tuesday requesting that Erickson, who was being held in the DeKalb County jail in Sycamore, be denied release. However, during a pretrial hearing on Tuesday, Circuit Court Judge Joseph Pedersen ordered Erickson’s release from custody.

This release comes with several stipulations that Erickson must adhere to while awaiting trial. These conditions include wearing an electronic monitoring device, a prohibition on contacting or being near minors, a requirement to not reside within 100 feet of a school, and a ban on accessing the internet or possessing internet-capable devices, as per records filed Tuesday. During court proceedings, Erickson was represented by defense attorney Brian Erwin. He is scheduled for a status hearing and anticipated arraignment at 9 a.m. on July 17 before Judge Pedersen.

University Response and Student Status

A spokesperson for Northern Illinois University confirmed on Tuesday that Erickson no longer resides on the DeKalb campus. In a statement, the university said, “The university has been made aware that a student was arrested under serious charges on 6/2/25 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. The student no longer lives in campus housing. All questions are being referred to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.”