Woman arrested in extortion, harassment case involving AI-generated photos - WAFB

LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (WAFB) - A Marrero woman is facing charges as part of an investigation into online and phone threats, harassment, and extortion in Livingston Parish.

According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Haydee Ortiz, 29, and booked her into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on the following charges:

- Unlawful dissemination of AI nude photos (1 count)

- Online impersonation (1 count)

- Injuring public record (1 count)

- Extortion (5 counts)

- Domestic Stalking (1 count)

“One alleged victim was receiving threats of rape and other bodily harm in exchange for monetary funds to ‘prevent’ threats from happening,” Sheriff Ard said. “AI generated photos and videos were created of one of the victims and were sent out to numerous family members and friends.”

As the investigation continued, the sheriff said more threats were sent to the victims, now threatening to get one of the victim’s employments terminated.

According to the sheriff’s office, because of allegations of overseas suspects being involved due to past relationships/acquaintances in Greece, Homeland Security helped deputies with this investigation.

“The investigation took a wild turn when search returns and subpoenas from certain suspect platforms used to make these harassing messages and threats started coming back,” Sheriff Ard said. “The investigation led back to an interview and the questioning of — at first believed to be victim — now suspect Haydee Ortiz.”

After an interview with her, the sheriff said authorities learned that it was Ortiz herself who made all the fictitious accounts, AI-generated nude photos/videos, rape threats, and extortion attempts.

“Haydee’s devices were seized, and future charges may be pending,” Sheriff Ard added.

Ortiz has since bonded out of the Livingston Parish Detention Center on a $150,000 bond set by a judge, according to the sheriff’s office.

This is an ongoing investigation. Deputies ask that anyone else who has been a victim of such charges involving this suspect reach out to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling 225-686-2241 x1 or submit a tip on their app.

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