Libertyville Teacher Accused of Creating AI Explicit Images To Remain In Custody

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — A Libertyville middle school teacher accused of creating artificial intelligence–generated explicit images of students will remain in custody following a detention hearing Monday in Lake County court, according to court records.

Marshall Sheffer, 44, now faces eight felony counts of child pornography following his arrest Friday, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Libertyville police launched the investigation after students reported their concerns to school staff. Detectives later obtained Sheffer’s phone, and a forensic review by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Cyber Crimes Lab reportedly uncovered numerous images of students that had been altered using artificial intelligence to create explicit content, police said.

As the investigation expanded, detectives executed additional search warrants at Sheffer’s residence and recovered multiple electronic devices. Authorities were assisted by electronic storage detection K-9 units, including ESD K-9 Grip and ESD K-9 Enzo, to locate and seize additional digital evidence, according to a news release.

Libertyville District 70 Superintendent Rebecca Jenkins said in a letter to parents that Sheffer was a social studies teacher at Highland Middle School and had worked in the district for 18 years, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner, Jenkins said the investigation began after the district contacted police on June 3, the second-to-last day of school, after receiving student concerns.

During a detention hearing on Monday, a Lake County judge ordered Sheffer remain detained as court proceedings move forward, according to online court records.

Sheffer is next expected in court on July 30 for a preliminary hearing.