A Sherwood Park man has been charged with making child sexual abuse material. Investigators allege he used artificial intelligence to create sexualized images from photos and videos obtained through social media. The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit charged 51-year-old Christopher Kalbfleisch on Sept. 25.

Police allege the offence involved numerous instances and victims. The charge follows Kalbfleisch’s June arrest, when he was charged with possessing, accessing, and transmitting child sexual abuse material after investigators received reports he had allegedly shared such material online. Police said a forensic examination of computers and electronic devices seized from his home uncovered an extensive collection of manufactured child sexual abuse material.

According to ALERT, Kalbfleisch allegedly used AI applications to create sexualized images from photos and videos of individuals police say were known to him. Investigators said the original images were obtained from publicly accessible social media accounts. Staff Sgt.

Alison Church of the Northern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Unit said investigators believe they have identified all victims currently known to police but continue to seek information from the public as the investigation remains active. “While we believe we’ve identified all of the victims that we can, we’re absolutely alive to the fact that someone out there may have some more information,” Church said.

She said additional forensic examination of electronic devices or new information from the public could further advance the case. “That could happen and could bring our investigation in a whole new direction,” Church said. Church said the public release was issued in part because investigators are still seeking information and because the case involves the alleged use of artificial intelligence.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about the investigation to contact their local police service or Crime Stoppers. Kalbfleisch was released from custody on court-ordered conditions that include not communicating with anyone under the age of 16 and prohibitions against attending public pools, schools, playgrounds and libraries.

The allegations against him have not been proven in court. Kalbfleisch is scheduled to appear in Strathcona County court on Oct. 16. TWilkie@postmedia.com