Springfield Man Charged With Obscene Child Image
Police arrested 23-year-old Nathan Hashman after he allegedly used an AI program to alter a photo of a 16-year-old girl.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Springfield police arrested Nathan Hashman, 23, for creating an obscene depiction of a child. Police say he admitted using an AI program he found on Reddit to remove clothing from a photo of a 16-year-old girl.
Why it matters
The case reflects the growing role of AI tools in producing sexualized images of minors, a concern that has drawn attention from child protection agencies. It also highlights the volume of online child exploitation reports handled by investigators statewide.
Nathan Hashman, 23, was arrested earlier this week on a charge of creating an obscene depiction of a child. The Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force processed more than 21,000 cybertips in 2025, but the stub does not specify further court dates or bail.
The players
Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
A statewide law enforcement unit that investigates online child exploitation and processes tips from national reporting systems.
The details
Police say Hashman admitted to using an AI program he found on Reddit to remove clothing from a photo of a 16-year-old girl. Law enforcement and child advocacy centers in the Springfield area have been visiting schools to teach children how offenders find, gain trust of, and trick minors.
Timeline
2025: Illinois task force processes over 21,000 cybertips.
Earlier this week: Hashman is arrested in Springfield.
Legal Context
The task force's 21,000-plus cybertips in 2025 show how digital tools are expanding the caseload for investigators handling child sexual exploitation. Sex crimes against children carry longer statutes of limitations than many other offenses, giving prosecutors more time to pursue cases like this one.
Parents in the Springfield area can review school and advocacy center guidance on how offenders approach children online. Local schools have hosted presentations on these methods, which may help families recognize warning signs.
The takeaway
Parents and guardians should talk with children about online contact with strangers and the risks of sharing photos, since AI tools can now alter ordinary images in harmful ways.
Further reading
For related coverage, see more Sex Crimes reporting from Springfield.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WICS.
