PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A Broward County man was arrested this past Friday in Palm Beach County after deputies said he sent AI-generated explicit images to a teenage girl and then attempted to solicit her online.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect in an arrest report obtained by Local 10 News on Wednesday as 47-year-old Thomas Christopher Ball, of Coral Springs.
Deputies said the investigation began on March 10 after receiving a harassment complaint that involved AI-generated images.
The report states the victim, a 17-year-old girl, told deputies Ball contacted her through Instagram months earlier and their conversations escalated into inappropriate messages.
Investigators said Ball allegedly made sexual comments during a phone call while intoxicated and offered her money in exchange for oral sex.
According to the report, the victim later distanced herself, prompting Ball to send repeated messages questioning why she stopped speaking with him.
On March 8, 2026, Ball allegedly sent multiple messages, including one offering money and asking her to continue communicating with him, the report states.
Deputies said Ball then sent an AI-altered image depicting the victim nude, which was created using a prior social media post. According to the report, he threatened to “expose her if she did not resume being friendly with him.”
The report states Ball acknowledged the victim was a minor and continued messaging her, including statements investigators described as “grooming tactics,” such as offering money, expressing affection and attempting to manipulate her.
After the victim blocked him, deputies said Ball contacted her from another phone number asking if she had called police.
Investigators said they reviewed messages, images and financial transactions from the victim’s phone as evidence. The report states the AI-generated image showed the victim’s face on a nude adult body without her consent.
The victim later provided a sworn statement confirming her account and identifying Ball as the suspect, according to deputies. She told investigators the incident caused her significant fear and emotional distress.
According to the report, investigators also reviewed a separate incident in which a third party told police Ball had made threats while intoxicated, including statements about wanting to harm the girl. The report states Ball denied making those comments.
Deputies said a review of the victim’s phone showed messages in which Ball attempted to “groom” the minor, including offering money, making emotional appeals and continuing to contact her after being told to stop.
The report states detectives also documented AI-generated images and message exchanges, along with financial transactions sent by Ball.
Based on the victim’s sworn statement and the evidence collected, investigators said they established probable cause for arrest.
Jail records show Ball is facing one count each of transmission of harmful material to a minor, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and altered sexual depiction.
As of Wednesday, he was not listed as an inmate in Palm Beach County jail records after posting a $75,000 bond.
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