South Texas man accused of altering images of real children to create AI porn, DPS says
A new law aimed at fighting AI-generated obscene content that passed in September made the charges possible.
CARRIZO SPRINGS, Texas (KTRK) -- A South Texas man was arrested after authorities say they uncovered more than 900 images and videos of AI-generated child porn during an FBI raid of his home.
Adan Covarrubias, 31, was arrested by Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division special agents and charged with felony possession of computer-generated child pornography, according to Texas DPS.
The charges were made possible because of Texas Senate Bill 20, which went into effect in September 2025, and made the possession or promotion of obscene visual material that appears to depict a child a felony offense. The bill targets the depictions of minors in obscene activities, regardless of whether the depiction is of an actual child, a cartoon or animation, or if it is created through generative AI.
As part of a months-long investigation, the FBI Del Rio Office executed a search warrant at Covarrubias' residence in Carrizo Springs in April 2026, according to DPS.
FBI investigators said they found more than 900 images and videos containing AI-generated pornographic images allegedly created by Covarrubias, and that multiple non-AI-generated images were also identified among the evidence.
Investigators said they found that Covarrubias allegedly took photos from websites associated with nearby schools and manipulated them through AI tools. DPS said they identified about 30 child victims.
"With the accessibility and use of artificial intelligence technology becoming more prevalent in our modern world, we must remember that some will use these tools for evil," DPS's CID Chief Floyd Goodwin said in a statement.
"... As AI grows, cases like this one may too, so parents, please talk to your children about being safe online and out in public and encourage them to speak up if they see or hear something that doesn't seem right," Goodwin added.
Covarrubias was arrested and booked into the Dimmit County Jail on May 19, according to DPS.
