Third-grade science teacher charged with possessing child pornography faces high bond

Tech teacher charged with possessing child pornography, generating AI child erotica

DADE CITY, Fla. (WFLA) — Third-grade science teacher Steven Houser faced charges of possessing child pornography during a virtual court appearance on Wednesday. Houser, who worked at Beacon Christian Academy in New Port Richey, was accused of having two photos and three videos featuring child pornography.

In a shocking twist, Houser also admitted to using yearbook photos of three students to generate AI child erotica. Despite this revelation, he was not charged for that offense, leaving parents in Pasco County concerned about the dangers of AI technology.

Cassie Rogers, a parent in Wesley Chapel, expressed her fear over the situation, stating that she plans to remove her children from school due to the unsettling nature of the allegations. She emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the safety of children in various educational settings.

The judge presiding over the case set Houser’s bond at $500,000, citing his position of power and authority around children as a significant concern for the state. However, attorney Bryant Camareno explained that under current laws, AI-generated child pornography is not considered illegal.

Camareno highlighted the Supreme Court’s distinction between artistic value and obscenity, noting that unless harm is directly inflicted upon children, the creation of AI child erotica does not constitute a criminal offense. He suggested that any potential changes to legislation regarding this issue would need to occur at the federal level.

As the debate over the legality of AI-generated child pornography continues, parents and lawmakers alike are grappling with the complexities of technology and its implications for child safety. The case of Steven Houser serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by emerging technologies in the digital age.