Alberta football coach accused of using AI to make child porn
Posted Jul 18, 2025 9:44 am.
Last Updated Jul 18, 2025 6:53 pm.
A junior football coach from Lethbridge is facing several charges after police say he used artificial intelligence to make child pornography.
Justin Tillery was arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) on Tuesday with help from the Lethbridge Police Service.
The 38-year-old has been charged with making, distributing, possessing, and accessing child pornography, along with transmitting an intimate image without consent.
Investigators allege Tillery used AI to manipulate and sexualize photos of underage girls.
He is a coach with both the Lethbridge Rams and Football Alberta U18 women’s teams.
An investigation by ICE is ongoing and officers are in the process of trying to identify possible victims.
Several computers and other electronic devices were seized from Tillery’s home and are being analyzed by forensic investigators with the agency.
“We can recognize how these allegations will impact athletes, parents, and the football community. We appreciate how there will be a lot of unanswered questions, but our investigation is ongoing and we are in the process of combing through the evidence to learn more,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger, ALERT ICE.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
ICE says these images were being shared via social media platform Kik Messenger.
The investigation began in November 2024, but Tillery was only recently identified as a suspect, ALERT says.
He has been released from custody on a number of conditions, including those that would prevent him from coaching anyone under the age of 18.
Tillery’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 8 in Lethbridge.
