(St. John’s, NL) August 11, 2026 — The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has charged a St. John’s youth with sexual offences for sharing digitally altered photos online.

On January 11, the RNC received several reports from youth who had been exploited through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Through the course of the investigation by the RNC Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit officers spoke with teenage girls who reported that images of them had been digitally altered to create explicit images which were subsequently posted to social media platforms. The investigation, which included the execution of search warrants, allowed officers to trace the altered images to a 17-year-old male from the Goulds.

On July 29, the 17-year-old male whose identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with:
• 19 counts of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• 19 counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• 19 counts of distribution of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• One count of accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material

The RNC is reminding the public that altering photos using AI to create sexual content without consent and sharing those images are crimes. Parents and caregivers are asked to have conversations with the youth in their lives about responsible technology use, consent and the consequences of online behaviour.

All survivors of sexual violence are encouraged to reach out for help from a trusted resource as soon as it is safe to do so. Members of the CASA Unit are available to speak with anyone that has information or questions. With a trauma-informed focus, officers educate and inform survivors of their legal and investigative options while also directing them to appropriate resources based on their individual situation or needs.

The RNC can be reached at 709-729-8000. In the event of an emergency, always call 911.

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File # 2026-2308

Cst. Stephanie Myers #874
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca