According to reports from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Steven Gugel, 47, was taken into custody following an investigation that began on Monday.
Details of the Case
- The Discovery: The investigation was triggered when a woman reported finding disturbing images on Gugel’s phone.
- The Allegations: Detectives state that Gugel admitted to using an AI program to manipulate photos of three children he knew personally. The technology was used to place the children’s faces onto the bodies of nude adult women in lewd positions.
- Charges: Gugel faces eight felony counts, including:
- Three counts of generating altered sexual depictions without consent.
- Five counts of creating generated child pornography.
- Legal Status: He was booked into the Polk County Jail with a bond set at $60,000.
Under Florida law (specifically SB 1680, which went into effect in 2024), the creation, possession, or intentional viewing of AI-generated CSAM is a serious criminal offense.
“This is a disgusting example for those who think putting the faces of children onto already-existing sexually explicit pornography is harmless and not against the law. He is facing 8 felonies and will likely not have access to children once his criminal case is resolved.” Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Detectives interviewed Gugel on March 10, where he admitted to using an AI program to alter the images to depict the victims as having adult nude women’s bodies.
Gugel’s phone was seized by detectives for further forensic analysis.
PCSO said Gugel was booked in the Polk County Jail and is held on no bond.