Mississippi Child Welfare Agency Hired Teacher Accused of Creating AI Child Porn Despite Prior Arrest, Records Show
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — A Mississippi child welfare agency hired a former middle school teacher accused of producing AI-generated child sexual abuse material — even after his arrest and despite his own request that the agency not investigate his previous employment, according to newly filed court documents.
Wilson Frederick Jones, 30, was terminated by the Corinth School District in November 2024 after allegedly using his school-issued computer to create explicit AI images depicting underage female students. Just weeks later, he was arrested by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on multiple felony charges — yet somehow went on to secure employment with the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services (MDCPS).
Fired After AI Child Abuse Allegations, Then Rehired by State
Court filings reveal that Jones requested to resign after his firing to avoid appealing the termination and potential formal reporting to the state. He was officially arrested in early December 2024.
Despite this, by February 18, 2025, Jones had started a new job with the state’s child welfare agency as a Social Service Specialist II, a position that reportedly involved working directly with foster children.
According to documentation reviewed by Law&Crime, Jones explicitly asked MDCPS not to contact his former employer, the Corinth School District. Astonishingly, the agency complied with that request and failed to verify why a certified teacher left his job mid-year, according to filings by attorneys for the Corinth superintendent.
“Unfortunately, MDCPS chose not to inquire with [Corinth School District] as to why a certified teacher left his employment mid-year,” the filing states.
Criminal Case: AI Images of Real Students
The federal criminal complaint against Jones alleges he produced AI-generated child sexual abuse material using the likenesses of real female students, ages 14 to 16, from social media. Investigators say he used artificial intelligence software on his school computer to generate the explicit content.
Prosecutors claim the images were realistic enough to constitute child pornography under federal law, setting a disturbing precedent in digital exploitation cases.
The investigation began after district officials reportedly found evidence of AI-based abuse on his work device. Jones was immediately suspended and later fired.
School Superintendent Also Facing Charges
The scandal has now widened to include Corinth School District Superintendent Edward Childress, who faces accusations of failing to report Jones’ alleged crimes and allowing him to quietly resign rather than face internal discipline or law enforcement.
Court documents allege that Childress’ failure to notify police allowed Jones to secure new employment before state education officials or MDCPS were aware of his criminal investigation.
Childress has pleaded not guilty and is seeking to have his case separated from Jones’ ahead of trial.
Trial Scheduled for November
Jones and Childress are both expected to stand trial beginning November 17, 2025. It is unclear if Jones is still employed with MDCPS.
The agency has not publicly explained how it overlooked the pending felony case or failed to vet Jones’ background before hiring him to work with children.
Local and national child protection advocates have condemned the oversight as “deeply alarming,” calling for urgent reforms to background check policies in agencies tasked with child safety.
Should state agencies face accountability for hiring employees under investigation for child exploitation? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.