A Marrero woman who investigators say was first treated as a possible victim is now accused of being the brains behind an AI-fueled sextortion scheme that rattled multiple people in Livingston Parish. Deputies say she set up fake online accounts, generated nude images with artificial intelligence and used them to threaten, harass and allegedly extort targets, even sending rape threats and messages to victims' family members and friends.
According to WBRZ, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office says 29-year-old Haydee Ortiz of Marrero was arrested Friday and booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on one count each of unlawful dissemination of AI nude photos, online impersonation and injuring public record; five counts of extortion; and one count of domestic stalking. Investigators told the outlet the case grew large enough to pull in Homeland Security because of claims involving overseas suspects and past acquaintances in Greece.
Sheriff Jason Ard said the investigation "took a wild turn" when search results and subpoenas to online platforms pointed back to Ortiz herself. Detectives concluded she had created the bogus accounts, pushed out the AI-generated sexual images and sent the threats, WBRZ reports. Authorities seized Ortiz's devices and said additional charges could be coming. She posted a $150,000 bond and was released, according to the outlet.
Federal Law And Local Enforcement
At the national level, federal officials have started treating nonconsensual AI "deepfake" intimate imagery as a crime. The TAKE IT DOWN Act requires covered platforms to remove reported nonconsensual intimate visual depictions and gives federal prosecutors added tools to go after offenders. Prosecutors have already used the law to charge people accused of posting AI-created sexual images, highlighting how cases that mix deepfakes and extortion can draw both local and federal attention, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office press release and the statute text on Congress.gov.
What Advocates And Experts Say
Victim advocates and researchers warn that AI "nudify" tools supercharge sextortion schemes by spitting out realistic-looking fakes that can spread quickly and ramp up fear and reputational damage. Coverage of similar cases and expert advice urge targets to preserve evidence, avoid paying extortion demands and contact law enforcement, noting that both removal options and legal remedies have expanded in recent years, KQED reports.
What To Do If You Were Targeted
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted in connection with this case or a similar scheme is urged to contact the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 686-2241 or submit a tip through the sheriff’s online reporting tools, according to the agency’s contact information. The investigation is still active, and deputies are asking anyone with additional details to come forward.
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