🎖️Army Dismisses West Point Cadet After AI-Generated Deepfake Extortion Case

Ex-cadet Cayden Cork pleads guilty to felony-level charges for threatening to release AI-generated nude images; Army says accountability applies even in the age of generative AI.

The U.S. Army has dismissed a former cadet from the United States Military Academy after he pleaded guilty to extortion and indecent conduct involving AI-generated nude images, underscoring growing concerns about the misuse of generative artificial intelligence within the ranks.

Former cadet Cayden Cork was convicted earlier this month after using generative AI tools to create fake nude images — commonly known as deepfakes — of a woman and threatening to publicly release them unless she sent actual explicit photos of herself, according to service court records.

On Feb. 10, Cork pleaded guilty to the charges. A military judge sentenced him to be reprimanded, forfeit all pay, and be dismissed from the Army. He also received a 10-day sentence of confinement, but was credited with time served, resulting in no additional custody.

Military Justice Adapts to AI-Era Crimes

The prosecution was handled by the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel’s First Circuit. In a statement, Capt. Anthony Williamson emphasized that while AI technologies present new investigative challenges, longstanding principles of accountability remain unchanged.

“This case highlights the ability of the military justice system to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancement,” Williamson said. “Personal responsibility is not diminished because a crime was committed with the assistance of artificial intelligence.”

According to court documents, Cork used a publicly available photo of the victim and applied AI tools throughout 2024 to generate altered, sexualized images. He allegedly contacted the woman using multiple phone numbers, threatening in September 2024 to release the fabricated images if she did not comply with his demands.

Officials have not disclosed which AI software platform was used.

Growing National Security and Policy Implications

The case lands amid heightened federal scrutiny over non-consensual sexualized deepfakes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that AI-enabled exploitation is accelerating as generative tools become more accessible.

Last year, Congress passed the Take It Down Act, legislation criminalizing the creation and distribution of non-consensual sexualized deepfakes.

Meanwhile, legal battles continue in the private sector. In January, more than 100 individuals filed suit against xAI, alleging its AI model Grok enabled the generation of sexualized deepfake images posted publicly on X. Grok is expected to be integrated into the Defense Department’s GenAI.mil platform, further intensifying debate over safeguards for military AI adoption.

Discipline, Ethics, and AI in the Ranks

For the Army, the dismissal sends a clear signal: emerging technology does not shield service members from prosecution.

“Ultimately, the result of this prosecution underscores that personal responsibility is not diminished because a crime was committed with the assistance of artificial intelligence,” Williamson stated.

The Army confirmed Cork has been dismissed from both the academy and the service.

As the Defense Department expands AI capabilities across operational and enterprise systems, the case highlights a parallel imperative — ensuring ethical guardrails, training, and enforcement mechanisms evolve alongside technological innovation.

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-- By James A. Wright

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