A woman was arrested in Livingston Parish for allegedly distributing AI-generated nude photos and videos in an extortion attempt after investigators initially thought she was a victim of the scheme.
Haydee Ortiz, 29, of Marrero was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on five counts of extortion along with charges of unlawful dissemination of AI nude photos, online impersonation, stalking and injuring public record. She has since been released on a $150,000 bond.
Detectives with the Livingston Parish Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were assigned to help in the case that involved online/phone threats, harassment and extortion.
Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard said one victim was allegedly threatened with rape and other bodily harm unless they made a payment.
One of the alleged victims had AI-generated photos and videos sent to family members and friends. Another victim was allegedly threatened with losing her job.
Ard said search results and subpoenas from platforms allegedly used to make the threats started coming back, which led to the questioning of Ortiz. She was first believed to be a victim herself. In an interview, detectives learned that Ortiz was the person who made all the threats and AI-generated nude photos.
“Haydee’s devices were seized, and future charges may be pending,” Ard said in a statement.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim can reach out to the Livington sheriff’s office at (225) 686-2241 or submit a tip via the LPSO app.