MN School Worker Used Job To Create AI Child Abuse Content: Feds

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A former employee of two school districts in the Twin Cities metro area is accused of using his access to children to create AI-generated images of child sexual abuse and possessing child pornography.

William Michael Haslach, 30, has been charged in a federal indictment with five counts of receipt of child pornography, five counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of producing an obscene visual representation of child sexual abuse.

Haslach made his initial appearance Wednesday in U.S. District Court before Judge Tony N. Leung.

He was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing on March 3 before Judge Douglas L. Micko.

"Prosecuting the predators who walk amongst us—in our neighborhoods, our communities, and particularly in our schools—will always be the top priority in the District of Minnesota," said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick in a statement.

"My thoughts are with the many Minnesota parents who will be horrified to learn how Haslach used AI advances to victimize schoolchildren in his care. Rest assured, my office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law."

"Every child is entitled to a secure upbringing, and this case highlights the powerful collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in their mission to safeguard them," said Minneapolis-based Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cybert of U.S. Secret Service.

Haslach, of Maplewood, held several positions of trust with children, prosecutors noted.

From August 2021 until January 2025, Haslach worked as a lunch monitor and traffic guard for Independent School District No. 622 (North St. Paul—Maplewood—Oakdale).

From 2021 through 2024, he served as a paraprofessional and later as a youth summer programs assistant for Independent School District No. 834 (Stillwater).

Haslach used his access to children to take non-explicit photos of minors in his care, which he used to create AI-generated images of the children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to prosecutors.

The indictment also details that Haslach possessed and received child pornography involving children who had been abused by others.

Investigators believe there may be more victims related to this case. If your child has had close contact with Haslach or if you or your child remembers Haslach taking any photos, you can contact the Minnesota BCA’s Tip Line here.

If you’re a parent of a child who has been under Haslach’s care at any point, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has set up a website with resources and more information about the case.