West Point Cadet Dismissed After AI-Generated Extortion Attempt

A former cadet at West Point has been dismissed from the Army after pleading guilty to charges involving the creation and use of an AI-generated nude image of a woman. The cadet, Cayden Cork, faced a general court-martial for his actions, which included attempts to extort explicit photographs from the victim.

During a trial earlier this month, Cork admitted to using artificial intelligence in 2024 to manipulate a publicly available photo of the victim, resulting in a doctored image that depicted her in a compromising position. According to a charge sheet from the United States Military Academy, Cork subsequently contacted the victim via phone and text message, asking her, “how accurate is this?”

In September of that year, Cork allegedly threatened to publicly release the manipulated image unless the victim complied with his demands for explicit photos, specifically asking her to “send an ass pic.” Details regarding the victim’s identity have been kept confidential in the charge sheet.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Cork was convicted of one specification of extortion and one specification of indecent conduct, both violations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, specifically Articles 127 and 134. The military judge, Col. Trevor Barna, sentenced him to be reprimanded, forfeit all pay and allowances, serve ten days of confinement, and be dismissed from the service. The ten days of confinement were credited, meaning Cork will not serve time in custody.

A dismissal from the Army is reserved for serious offenses and is equivalent to a dishonorable discharge for officers.

Response from Military Officials

In a statement, Capt. Anthony Williamson, a prosecutor with the Army’s Office of Special Trial Counsel, emphasized the Army’s commitment to protecting victims and maintaining discipline among service members. “When service members use these emerging tools to commit serious crimes against fellow service members, the Army will act to protect victims and uphold good order and discipline,” he said.

Williamson also remarked on the adaptability of the military justice system in light of technological advancements. “This case highlights the ability of the military justice system to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancement. While these developments can present novel challenges for investigators and prosecutors—as they certainly did here—the core principles of accountability and justice remain a constant,” he noted.

The last completed cadet court-martial at West Point occurred in 2024, underscoring the seriousness with which the military handles such offenses. The case serves as a reminder of the potential misuse of technology and the importance of accountability in the armed forces.