A college debate coach in Baytown is facing criminal charges after investigators say he created a sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake video using the image of someone he knew.
Baytown debate coach accused of creating sexually explicit AI deepfake video, court records showTuesday, April 7, 2026 12:15AMA college debate coach in Baytown is facing criminal charges after investigators say he created a sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake video using the image of someone he knew.
Rigoberto "Rigo" Ruiz, a longtime debate coach at Lee College, has been charged with unlawful production of sexually explicit media. The case could become an early test of Texas laws addressing AI-generated content. According to court records, Ruiz's then-girlfriend was going through his phone when she discovered the alleged deepfake video on his phone and contacted police. Investigators said the video was created using a photo of a woman known to both Ruiz and his girlfriend. Authorities allege Ruiz used artificial intelligence to generate a video depicting the complainant in a sexual scenario that did not actually occur. Court documents state the video was created "with the intent to deceive and depict a real person performing an act that did not occur in reality."Legal experts said cases like this highlight how quickly advancing technology is colliding with existing laws. Defense attorney Neal Davis, who reviewed the court documents, said the charge is unusual and reflects how states are adapting to emerging AI-related offenses. "This was discovered on his phone and the defendant allegedly confessed," Davis said. "The complainant was contacted and said she did not consent to this." Davis noted that while he has handled many cases involving explicit material, those typically involve real people and real recordings. Laws targeting AI-generated deepfakes are relatively new, particularly in Texas. "It's an unusual charge and an unusual law," Davis said. "These laws are trying to keep up with technology, taking someone's likeness and showing them in sexual acts or nudity, and trying to criminalize it. That's what this law seeks to do." Ruiz's attorney declined to comment when reached by phone. A court hearing in the case is scheduled for later this week.
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