ALERT has charged a Lethbridge man with several offences related to child pornography. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge man charged with using AI to make child pornography

Jul 18, 2025 | 9:33 AM

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) says technology was used to create child pornography of real underage girls.

Alongside the Lethbridge Police Service, ALERT apprehended Justin Tillery, 38, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He is charged with making, distributing, possessing and accessing child pornography, along with transmitting an intimate image without consent.

Tillery is a junior girls’ football coach with the Lethbridge Rams and Football Alberta U18 women’s teams.

Officers allege that he used artificial intelligence to manipulate and sexualize photos of underage girls.

Several computers and electronic devices were seized from the accused’s home and are being analyzed by ICE forensic investigators.

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Images were reportedly shared via the social media app, Kik Messenger.

The investigation dates back to November 2024, but Tillery was only recently identified as a suspect.

ALERT ICE Staff Sgt. Mark Auger says their investigation is ongoing, and they are in the process of identifying possible victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

“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,” says Auger.

Tillery has been released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions, including those that would prevent him from coaching anyone under the age of 18.

He is scheduled to appear in court on August 8, 2025.

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