A Pennsylvania mall worker allegedly used Grok AI to turn a photograph of a teenage girl into child sexual abuse material, police say. Investigators also reportedly discovered hundreds of AI-generated images and videos, alongside more than 150 videos allegedly filmed beneath the clothing of women and teenage girls.
Robert Mayberry, 41, of Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, faces multiple charges relating to the alleged creation and possession of child sexual abuse material and covert photography, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
Police allege that, in one incident, Mayberry photographed a teenage girl at West Goshen Community Park and used Grok to create child sexual abuse material from the image. The case highlights concerns about the potential misuse of generative AI to manipulate photographs without a person's knowledge or consent.
Woman's Report Triggered Investigation
The investigation began on 18 June 2026, when a woman contacted West Goshen police after reportedly discovering images and videos on Mayberry's phone. The material allegedly included AI-generated child sexual abuse videos and 'upskirt' photographs of women.
The woman showed investigators photographs she had taken of the material. Police subsequently obtained a search warrant and stopped Mayberry while he was driving on Paoli Pike near the Route 202 ramps in West Goshen Township, officials said.
Investigators seized electronic devices, including a MacBook, an iPhone, a flash drive and SD cards, according to the criminal complaint cited by NBC10.
Hundreds of AI-Generated Files Found
Between 26 June and 14 August, investigators examined the seized devices and reportedly found hundreds of photographs and videos containing AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
Authorities also reported finding child sexual abuse material that had not been AI-generated, as well as more than 150 videos allegedly recorded covertly beneath the clothing of women and teenage girls.
The complaint cited by NBC10 states that the photographs and videos were taken at several public locations, including the King of Prussia Mall, parks, a zoo, convenience stores and an aquarium.
The case also highlights wider concerns about generative AI and child exploitation. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has outlined how generative AI can be used to create child sexual abuse material, including by manipulating existing images.
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has warned that child sexual abuse material created using generative AI and similar content-manipulation technologies is illegal under federal law.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mayberry faces multiple counts relating to the depiction of sexual acts involving children on a computer, child sexual abuse material, invasion of privacy and criminal use of a communication facility, according to NBC10.
He was arrested on 21 October 2026 and subsequently posted bail. His next preliminary hearing is scheduled for 30 October.
KYW Newsradio, citing NBC10's reporting, said Mayberry had been placed on leave from his job at the Therabody store at King of Prussia Mall. NBC10 reported that it contacted Mayberry's attorney and the mall for comment. KYW also said it had contacted his lawyer but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The case remains ongoing, and the charges are allegations that have yet to be established in court.
