In Mesquite, Texas, 32-year-old Matthan Lough was arrested on allegations of child grooming, a third-degree felony. Lough, the son of former Christian Center of Mesquite Senior Pastor Kevin Lough, was taken into custody by local police on Wednesday amid claims of using artificial intelligence to orchestrate a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. The initial interaction between Lough and the alleged victim occurred at a graduation party in May 2023, where he invited her to join a volleyball team he was coaching, the Mesquite Dynasty Volleyball Club.
Over time, Lough's communication with the teenager reportedly escalated from casual messages to increasingly explicit content, including requests for nude images. The victim complied with these demands out of fear, as Lough allegedly made references to firearms and threatened violence to assert control. According to The Dallas Morning News, the basis of the grooming charges involves three incidents in September, including inappropriate contact at church events and sexual acts in various locations.
Investigators discovered an AI-generated document on Lough's iPad titled "Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan," which outlined a manipulative five-step process targeting the victim. This document may offer insights into Lough's alleged grooming methods. The misconduct surfaced after the victim and her mother found explicit messages on the teen's phone. Lough’s wife, upon finding similar messages on his device, filed for divorce and left the state.
Lough, who previously worked as a teacher at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy, was not an employee of the Christian Center of Mesquite. However, the church acknowledged that some alleged incidents took place on its property and is currently reviewing its policies in light of the allegations.
Criminologist Alex del Carmen highlighted the potential danger of AI tools being misused for manipulative purposes, emphasizing the need for parental vigilance in a technologically evolving landscape. The case has brought to the forefront the critical role of parents, schools, and community organizations in safeguarding minors against such threats.
Lough was granted a $10,000 bond and has since been released, with the investigation into the alleged grooming and the involvement of AI in the scheme continuing. This incident underscores the importance of continued vigilance and transparency in protecting minors from digital exploitation.
