Arkansas State Police details investigation following Clark County man’s child sexual abuse material conviction

CLARK COUNTY, Ark. — A 33-year-old Clark County man was sentenced Friday to 90 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material, including images generated with artificial intelligence that depicted real children and adults from the local community.

Ethan Tanner Fagan was convicted on 30 counts related to child pornography. The sentence includes a 10-year term, a six-year term for promoting obscene material, and a 15-year suspended imposition of sentence for the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The investigation began on April 27, 2024, after authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the probe, Arkansas State Police (ASP) special agents discovered that Fagan possessed and exchanged explicit images, some of which were generated using AI technology to depict real children and adults from Clark County and nearby areas.

Sgt. Corwin Battle, commander of the ASP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force said the AI-generated images were particularly alarming because they showed actual community members, including children, in explicit and undressed states. Battle noted that Fagan also exchanged illegal images with an individual in Ohio.

“This is the first time we’ve seen a conviction involving AI-generated images of this scale and nature,” Battle said. “The technology is evolving rapidly, and it presents new challenges for law enforcement.”

According to Battle, the case uncovered more than 100 items on Fagan’s social media accounts, including both real and AI-generated material. Some images involved children as young as eight or nine, and Battle said many of the victims were known to Fagan.

Battle emphasized the trauma experienced by victims and their families.

“Many of these young victims were innocent, having only been photographed by their parents or guardians,” said ASP investigator Mark Johnson. “Now, their images are being manipulated and distributed in ways that are deeply upsetting and damaging.”

The investigation also revealed Fagan’s use of social media platforms to send and receive illicit images and messages. After executing search warrants on his social media accounts, a work truck and a flash drive found during a search of his residence, investigators recovered numerous illegal images.

Battle warned that advances in AI technology could soon enable the creation of highly realistic images and videos that are indistinguishable from genuine photographs, complicating efforts to combat child exploitation.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Battle said.

State law now allows law enforcement to pursue cases involving images that are indistinguishable from real children, even if the actual child cannot be identified. This legal change, enacted during the last legislative session, aims to address the rapidly evolving threat.

Battle said that more than 1,970 cases of online enticement and sextortion have been reported in Arkansas this year alone, with the number expected to rise. Battle said ASP continues to work closely with federal partners to monitor cyber tips and protect vulnerable children.

“We urge parents, teachers, and young people to be vigilant online and to review privacy settings on social media,” Battle said.

Fagan’s sentencing marks the largest child exploitation case involving AI technology in the state to date. Battle said they do anticipate more cases emerging as technology advances and law enforcement continues to adapt.