BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The former Baltimore County Athletic Director at the center of an AI scandal has pleaded guilty in connection to a federal child exploitation case.
Dazhon Darien, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor inside the US District Court of Maryland in downtown Baltimore.
The investigation dates back to April 2024 when Darien was arrested after federal and local authorities determined he had created a fake, AI generated recording of his then principal making racist comments.
The recording had gone viral, sparked outrage, and resulted in the removal of the Principal from his position.
The investigation into the audio records left authorities to Darien who they said made the recording to retaliate against the Principal who was pursuing an investigation into him. It was also documented the Principal had recently informed Darien his contract would not be renewed the following school year.
During a search of Darien’s home and electronics authorities revealed they found child sex abuse material, sparking a new, federal investigation.
In January 2025, Darien was federally indicted in connection to this new case.
Darien was also named in a civil lawsuit the Principal filed against him, two teachers and the former Superintendent of the District.
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How Darien was hired without the proper credentials was the subject of multiple Project Baltimore reports. It’s a question that remains.
In April 2024 Darien entered an Alford Plea related to the AI scandal case which doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges the State has enough evidence for a conviction.
Darien was sentenced to four months in prison for disturbing school operations, a misdemeanor.
This case sparked change in legislation.
Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger was among those who traveled to Annapolis in a push for new criminal statutes surrounding AI.
The Maryland General Assembly later passed a bill that makes certain uses of Deepfakes a crime.
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The bill, which the Governor signed into law earlier this year, takes effect in October.
Meanwhile, Darien will soon learn his date in the federal child sex exploitation case.
In a plea agreement, investigators outlined eight male victims, the youngest 14 years old with whom they say Darien exchanged messages and received explicit photographs of, often in exchange for money.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars.
Darien will be sentenced November 10.
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