Alaska
JBER soldier makes federal court appearance on charges surrounding AI-generated child sex abuse images
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A 34-year-old Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson soldier made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday after being indicted on multiple federal charges related to child sex abuse materials.
Seth Herrera, a U.S. Army soldier, is accused of using artificial intelligence and AI chatbots to generate pornography depicting minors with whom he was in contact. Some of the children are the same age as a daughter of Herrera’s, court documents show.
On Thursday, a federal grand jury charged Herrera with one count of transportation of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
He was arrested the following day, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
If convicted, Herrera faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
After hearing arguments from the prosecution and Herrera’s defense as to whether or not he should be detained during the duration of the trial, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled in favor of the government, agreeing that Herrera posed a “danger to the community” and displayed a “level of sophistication to navigate the web to hide his footprints and conceal activities.”
While no trial-setting conference happened on Tuesday, a discovery management conference was set for 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2024.
Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Alaska’s News Source. Herrera’s defense attorney, Ben Muse, said in an emailed statement that he “cannot offer comment at this time.”
According to court documents, Herrera is also accused of viewing images specifically depicting violent sexual abuse of children and infants, which was generated from images and videos of children pulled from various social media pages.
“The misuse of cutting-edge generative AI is accelerating the proliferation of dangerous content,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement, “including child sexual abuse material — so the Department of Justice is accelerating its enforcement efforts. As alleged, the defendant used AI tools to morph images of real kids into horrific child sexual abuse material.”
According to a pre-trial detention document filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, Herrera also saved “surreptitious recordings” of minors undressing in his home.
A forensic review of three of his cell phones revealed tens of thousands of videos and images depicting the violent rape and sexual abuse of children dating back as early as March 2021.
Herrera is said to have used encrypted messaging applications and joined groups known for trafficking child sexual abuse material. According to prosecutors, he then kept the materials in a password-protected app — that was disguised as a calculator on his phone — for the purpose of hiding the files.
In March of this year, the FBI released a public service announcement regarding child sexual abuse material, warning of the legal consequences involved with obtaining and creating such material through AI.
“Federal law prohibits the production, advertisement, transportation, distribution, receipt, sale, access with intent to view, and possession of any CSAM, including realistic computer-generated images,” the FBI stated.
According to a statement released by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Alaska’s News Source, Herrera was a motor vehicle operator with the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 11th Airborne Division. He joined the Army in November 2019 and was previously stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Bliss, Texas; and a base in Korea, before arriving in Alaska in August 2023.
After hearing arguments from the prosecution and Herrera’s defense as to whether or not he should be detained for the duration of the trial, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled in favor of the government, agreeing that Herrera posed a “danger to the community” and displayed a “level of sophistication to navigate the web to hide his footprints and conceal activities.”
If anyone has information concerning Herrera’s alleged actions, or if you may have encountered someone in person or online using the name Seth Herrera, the Justice Department asks that you contact the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at (877) 447-4847.
Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.
At Icy Strait Point, visitors can spot whales and eagles while supporting a small Alaska community.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, offers a rare kind of cruise stop — one where nature, culture, and community take center stage. It was also specifically developed with tourists in mind.
Built on Huna Tlingit land near Hoonah, this privately owned destination was designed to spread visitors across 23,000 acres of wilderness rather than overwhelm the town. The result is a place where travelers can see bald eagles, sea lions, and crashing waves instead of traffic and tour buses.
Beyond its dramatic scenery, Icy Strait Point generates about $20 million in annual economic impact for a community of roughly 900 people, supporting hundreds of jobs, making it a model for how tourism can benefit residents while preserving Alaska’s character.
Why it matters
Located on Huna Tlingit land, Icy Strait Point shows how tourism can support small communities while preserving their identity. Places like this reflect a broader American story of stewardship, self-determination, and economic opportunity.
According to Icy Strait Point’s Senior Vice President, Tyler Hackman, the destination generates “$20 million a year of positive economic impact on a community of 900 people,” creating jobs while allowing Hoonah to remain distinctly itself.
What to see today
Unlike many cruise ports, Icy Strait Point feels remarkably undeveloped.
“This place is mostly untouched,” Hackman said. “When a ship comes into a dock here, somebody can be standing on the top deck of the ship, and you don’t see a parking lot, you don’t see a bus, you don’t see a vehicle.”
Visitors can take a gondola to the mountaintop for sweeping views, then follow Hackman’s advice and head to the beach in front of the historic cannery. There, they can search for shells, dip their hands in Alaska’s icy waters, and take in snowcapped peaks on the horizon — and maybe spot a humpback whale or an orca.
Ask a local
For a sweet stop with a bigger purpose, visit Lil’ Gen’s Mini-Doughnuts.
Operated by The Salvation Army, the shop serves warm mini-doughnuts to cruise visitors all summer. The impact extends far beyond dessert: Hackman said that in 2025, profits from the shop helped fund “$130,000 worth of food to the local community.”
It’s a delicious way to support Hoonah residents directly. Try the lemon sugaring.
Plan your visit
- Best time: May through September during the Alaska cruise season.
- Hours/admission: Open seasonally. Access is included with most cruise itineraries.
- Getting there: Primarily reached by cruise ship from Southeast Alaska itineraries.
- Learn more: https://icystraitpoint.com/
Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced the appointment of Stephen Cox as his new Counsel to the Governor. The appointment comes after the legislature’s decision to not confirm him as attorney general, despite his extensive legal and public policy experience and proven record of defending Alaska’s interests both at home and on the national level. Cox’s responsibilities will be to advise Governor Dunleavy on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and constitutional matters affecting the State of Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy also appointed Cori Mills acting attorney general for the Alaska Department of Law. Mills has been with the department for 14 years and most recently served as deputy attorney general.
“Stephen Cox has a strong understanding of Alaska law and the challenges facing our state,” said Governor Dunleavy. “His experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him a valuable asset as Counsel to the Governor. I look forward to working with Stephen as we continue advancing policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people of our state.”
As Counsel to the Governor, Cox will continue to work closely with the Department of Law and other executive branch departments to provide counsel on policy initiatives, legislation, and executive actions.
“I am honored to serve Governor Dunleavy and the people of Alaska in this new role,” said Stephen Cox. “I look forward to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to promote responsible resource development, governance and opportunities for Alaskans across the state.”
Cox assumes his new role effective today.
Juneau blends towering glaciers, the Tongass National Forest and rich Indigenous culture.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road — a remoteness that adds to its magic and appeal.
Nestled between mountains, rainforest, and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau combines Alaska Native heritage, Gold Rush history, and some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Visitors can watch humpback whales surface offshore, ride a tram above downtown, stand face-to-face with or even on Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice flowing from the vast Juneau Icefield. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the world’s largest temperate rainforest — Juneau offers a quintessential Alaska experience where nature feels immense, and adventure begins just minutes from the cruise dock.
Why Juneau matters
Long before prospectors arrived in search of gold, the area now known as Juneau was home to the Áak’w Kwáan, whose name for this place — Áakʼw, often translated as “little lake” — reflects a deep connection to the surrounding land and water.
Russia later expanded into Alaska through the fur trade, bringing Orthodox missionaries, new trade networks, and profound cultural change to Indigenous communities across the region. Though Juneau rose to prominence during the Gold Rush and became the territorial capital after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the city still bears traces of both worlds.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneau offers visitors a richer understanding of America’s layered history — one that’s shaped by Native stewardship, Russian influence, and the enduring resilience of southeast Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
What to see today
The star attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long glacier that descends from the Juneau Icefield into a turquoise lake.
Easy trails lead to roaring Nugget Falls, while boardwalks along Steep Creek offer chances to spot spawning salmon and black bears. Back downtown, colorful floatplanes skim the harbor and the Mount Roberts Tramway lifts visitors above the city for sweeping views of Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains.
Ask a local
One of Juneau’s most whimsical attractions is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, tucked into the Tongass rainforest just outside downtown.
Locals and visitors alike love the upside-down trees known as “Flower Towers” — massive spruce trunks planted root-side up, bursting with colorful blooms. The display is a unique (and accidental) creation of master gardener Steve Bowhay.
It’s an eccentric sight that feels uniquely Alaskan, blending lush rainforest scenery with a touch of horticultural imagination.
Plan your visit
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