Bloodworth is facing charges related to distributing child sexual abuse material using GROK AI
Bloodworth is facing charges related to distributing child sexual abuse material using GROK AI
Rusell Bloodworth, a local Bentonville photographer and camp instructor, appeared before a judge on Friday morning and was released after posting bond.
Bentonville Police arrested Bloodworth receiving a cyber tip related to child sexual Abuse Material being generated by someone using GROK AI.
District Judge A.J. Anglin placed certain conditions including that he cannot have any contact with children except his biological children and must wear an ankle monitor.
Bloodworth is facing charges related to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) (100 counts) and possession of controlled substances.
According to the probable cause report, a Bentonville Police detective found a hidden folder on Bloodworth’s cellphone containing more than 1,700 images and videos, most of which showed juvenile females in various sexual poses, multiple videos showing the performance of sex acts.
The detective saw 12 images that appear to be AI-generated child sexual abuse material using AI prompts to pose and remove portions of clothing, according to the affidavit. The detective also stated that while several of the images are overtly AI, many were indistinguishable from real images.
Police state that “due to the scale and excessive nature of this investigation, it is likely that there are more child victims in this case.”
Police also stated that Bloodworth also had a professional relationship as a photography camp instructor and was hired as a photographer for various events held at Thaden School in Bentonville.
A school spokesperson sent a statement to 40/29 News in response to Bloodworth’s arrest:
“We are deeply troubled by the news regarding the arrest of local photographer Russell Bloodworth on charges related to the possession of child pornography. Given that he has had professional interactions with members of our community, we believed it was essential to provide them with the relevant information, so we sent a communication to make them aware.
Thaden School’s previous relationship with him was limited to specific professional engagements: he provided photography services for a fundraising session at our 2024 Community Dinner, led a photography summer camp on campus in 2025, and occasionally rented campus space for his independent business.
We have directed families who have questions or concerns to contact the Bentonville Police Department directly, as they are leading the investigation and are best positioned to provide further information and guidance.”
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