Two individuals have been arrested and charged with violating the TAKE IT DOWN Act for allegedly publishing thousands of AI-generated deepfake pornography images and videos depicting celebrities, elected officials, and private individuals.
Cornelius Shannon, 51, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, and Arturo Hernandez, 20, of Bedias, Texas, were charged in criminal complaints unsealed today in Brooklyn. Hernandez was arrested in Texas, while Shannon was arrested in New Jersey and is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg this afternoon.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. announced the arrests. Nocella said, "As alleged, the defendants used cutting-edge digital technology to create images that degraded and violated victims across the United States." He added that the office would pursue such criminals with "all the legal resources that the federal government can bring to bear."
Assistant Director Barnacle emphasized the severity of the alleged crimes, stating, "This predatory conduct represents a disturbing abuse of technology that inflicts emotional harm on victims, violating their privacy, dignity, and security." He affirmed that the use of this emerging technology to victimize individuals is "criminal and will be pursued with the full force of the law."
The TAKE IT DOWN Act, enacted on April 28, 2025, criminalizes the nonconsensual publication of intimate images, including deepfakes. Court filings allege Shannon published at least 360 albums with AI deepfake pornography of approximately 90 different female victims, viewed millions of times. Hernandez is accused of publishing around 113 albums depicting about 50 identifiable female victims, including non-public figures, with content viewed nearly a million times.
If convicted, both defendants face up to two years’ imprisonment. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI are committed to combating these emerging forms of abuse.