Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A Commerce Township resident, Joshua Stilman, 37, pleaded guilty to a charge of cyberstalking in federal court, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon.
The case involves the use of artificial intelligence technology to create nude and sexually explicit images of a social media influencer identified as Victim-1. Authorities say that between February and March 2025, Stilman generated these images using publicly available photos of the victim. He then contacted her through private messages on social media, repeatedly asking about her sexual preferences and making threats.
Prosecutors state that Stilman threatened to distribute the AI-generated images to nearly 100,000 followers if the victim did not continue responding to his messages.
Sentencing is set for May 21, 2026. The offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said: "Joshua Stilman's guilty plea makes clear that cyber stalking - especially when amplified through the weaponization of artificial intelligence - is a dangerous offense, not a harmless online act. Hiding behind a keyboard to intimidate and harass another person is an act of cowardice, and today's outcome demonstrates that such behavior will be met with full accountability. I commend the extraordinary courage of the victim, whose willingness to come forward and persistence in pursuing justice made this result possible."
The Oakland County Resident Agency of the FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek is prosecuting.
