• Wilson Frederick Jones hired by child services despite being fired for AI-generated abuse images
• Former teacher allegedly created explicit videos of eight female students using AI technology
• Federal investigators discovered thousands of additional child abuse images on seized devices

CORINTH, Miss. (TDR) — The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services hired a former middle school teacher in February even though he had been let go from his teaching job just months earlier for allegedly using AI to create lewd images of his students, according to federal court documents.

Wilson Frederick Jones, 30, was employed at Corinth Middle School until November 2024 when the school’s internet filtering system detected illicit content being downloaded onto a school-issued device. Information technology officials received an alert on Nov. 19, 2024, that Jones had been accessing inappropriate material on his work computer.

Allowed to resign after discovery

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports Jones was allowed to resign on Nov. 21, 2024, two days after the images were discovered. The Mississippi Department of Education was not notified of the incident until Jan. 29 and forwarded a complaint about Jones to the Corinth Police Department on Feb. 26.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

During that interim period, Jones applied for a position with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. Court documents reveal that during the application process, Jones specifically requested the agency “not to contact the Corinth School District” regarding his employment history.

Despite this unusual request, the child welfare agency hired Jones as a Social Service Specialist II on Feb. 18, 2025. The position would have involved Jones working directly with foster children, according to reports. The agency proceeded with the hire without conducting a thorough background investigation into why a certified teacher had left his employment mid-year.

FBI seizure reveals disturbing content

The FBI served a subpoena to seize Jones’ devices on March 3. Authorities reportedly discovered five AI-generated videos on the devices, allegedly showing the faces of eight of Jones’ female students, ages 14 to 16, superimposed onto AI-created bodies performing sexual acts.

According to FBI Task Force Officer Bo Swindle in the federal affidavit, “The videos depicted known Corinth students engaging in inappropriate behavior including kissing and exposing themselves.” None of the eight students were aware their images had been manipulated or used to create the videos.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Police also reportedly found thousands of non-AI-generated images of child sexual abuse material during their search, significantly expanding the scope of the investigation beyond the initial AI-generated content.

Federal charges and serious penalties

Jones was arrested March 12, 2025, and charged in federal court with production of a morphed image of child pornography and possession of a morphed image of child pornography. He was released on $20,000 bail but placed under house arrest with GPS monitoring.

Under federal law, production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum of 30 years for first-time offenders. Distribution and transportation offenses carry mandatory minimums of five to 20 years. Federal law does not distinguish between traditional and AI-generated child sexual abuse material when determining penalties.

A North Carolina child psychiatrist convicted of similar charges involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material was sentenced to 40 years in prison in November 2023, demonstrating the severity with which federal courts treat these offenses.

Superintendent also faces charges

Court records show Corinth School District Superintendent Edward Childress has been charged as a co-defendant in Jones’ case. Childress is accused of failing to report Jones’ alleged crimes to law enforcement in a timely manner and concealing those crimes by allowing Jones to resign.

According to Childress’ attorneys, “Unfortunately, MDCPS chose not to inquire with [Corinth School District] as to why a certified teacher left his employment mid-year.” The superintendent is seeking to sever his case from Jones’.

The delays in reporting have drawn significant criticism from parents and child safety advocates. The four-month gap between the initial discovery in November and Jones’ March arrest raised serious questions about the district’s handling of the situation.

Community and legal implications

The Corinth School District issued a statement confirming their internet filtering system alerted administration to inappropriate activity, and that they investigated, took action, and reported the matter to the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Educator Misconduct as required.

Parents expressed outrage that Jones was able to gain employment with a child welfare agency despite the pending investigation. “We need to know what’s going on at our schools and with our children,” said parent Jasmica Wade.

Jones and Childress are scheduled for trial on Nov. 17, 2025. The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services has not publicly commented on their hiring decision or whether additional screening measures have been implemented.

Should child welfare agencies be required to conduct FBI background checks and contact all previous employers before hiring staff who will work directly with vulnerable children?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10