Sherwood Park man charged with using AI to create child sexual abuse material
Christopher Kalbfleisch, 51, is accused of using artificial intelligence to sexualize photos and videos of children he knew, obtained from social media.
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A 51-year-old Sherwood Park man has been charged with making child sexual abuse materials using artificial intelligence to sexualize images of children he knew, following a forensic analysis of devices seized from his home.
Christopher Kalbfleisch was arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams' Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit on June 25 on charges of possessing, accessing, and transmitting child sexual abuse materials. Following that arrest and the seizure of computers and electronic devices, investigators discovered an extensive collection of child sexual abuse materials manufactured using AI. The new charge, laid September 25, alleges Kalbfleisch used AI applications to sexualize photos and videos of numerous victims he knew. ALERT said the accused took advantage of open social media accounts and used posted photos as source material to alter.
ICE believes there are multiple victims in the case, though a specific number has not been provided. The investigation is ongoing and aimed at identifying victims. Kalbfleisch has been released from custody on court-imposed conditions including no communication with anyone under 16 and a ban from public pools, schools, playgrounds, and public libraries. He is scheduled to appear in court in Strathcona County on October 16. The allegations have not been tested in court.
The use of AI tools to sexualize images is a growing problem in Alberta. In June 2026, two 14-year-old boys in Edmonton were accused of using AI to create child sexual abuse images of classmates. A junior girls' football coach in Lethbridge was accused last summer of using AI to create child pornography. In December 2025, a teenager in the Calgary region was accused of using AI to sexualize photos of teen girls from several high schools; a 17-year-old was charged with making, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse materials and criminal harassment.
Constable Stephanie Bosch with ALERT ICE has stressed the seriousness of such offences. "There is a misconception that because it's AI, it's not real, that the impact is not significant," Bosch said regarding similar cases. Anyone with information about Kalbfleisch's case is encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment or call the ALERT tip line.
The facts
Who is Christopher Kalbfleisch and what is he charged with?
Christopher Kalbfleisch is a 51-year-old Sherwood Park man charged with using artificial intelligence to create child sexual abuse materials by sexualizing photos and videos of children he knew, obtained from their social media accounts.
When was Kalbfleisch arrested and when will he appear in court?
Kalbfleisch was arrested on June 25, 2026 by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams' Internet Child Exploitation unit. He is scheduled to appear in court in Strathcona County on October 16, 2026.
What conditions has Kalbfleisch been released on?
Kalbfleisch has been released on court-imposed conditions including no communication with anyone under 16 and a ban from public pools, schools, playgrounds, and public libraries.
