Washington school paraeducator arrested for using AI to create child pornography
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
RICHLAND, Washington – A 54-year-old school paraeducator was arrested Monday after investigators discovered he allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to create sexually explicit images of a 12-year-old girl, authorities said.
Kevin Royal Johnson was taken into custody April 6 at Cottonwood Elementary School in Kennewick, where he has been employed since August 2025. The Richland Police Department launched the investigation following a cyber tip from Google to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which flagged suspicious uploads.
Detectives determined Johnson targeted a real child who lives outside of Washington state. According to police, Johnson located images of the girl on social media and used AI software to fabricate pornographic depictions of her.
Johnson faces charges of dealing in and possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Following his arrest, police executed a search warrant at his Pasco residence.
“This case underscores the serious and evolving threat posed by the misuse of artificial intelligence to exploit children,” the Richland Police Department said in a statement.
Johnson previously worked for the Pasco School District from 2023 to 2025 and is reportedly active in a Pasco church.
The investigation involved a massive regional effort, including the Kennewick and Pasco police departments, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force also assisted.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Richland Police Department.
