The rise in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is an alarming trend online, but few perpetrators demonstrate advanced technical sophistication. This was not the case for a recent incident in Alaska. Seth Herrera, a heavy vehicle driver for the U.S. military, was indicted this week for possessing over 10,000 images and videos of CSAM, despite using numerous encrypted apps to conceal his activities.
Herrera’s devices included three Samsung Galaxy phones, each filled with CSAM content hidden behind the security-focused, password-protected app called Calculator Photo Vault. Additionally, he utilized encrypted communication tools such as Potato Chat, Enigma, nandbox, Telegram, TOR, and Mega NZ, along with web-based AI tools.
According to the indictment, Herrera’s deceptive practices included recording minor children himself and enhancing those images using AI technology. He also utilized AI chatbots to create fake CSAM, employing real imagery of children he knew. His content was stored not only on his phones but also on Mega and his own public Telegram group, where he shared CSAM material.
Despite his precautions, Homeland Security Investigations searched Herrera’s home, seizing his phones and arresting him on August 23. Court documents reveal minimal details on how his activities were discovered, noting only that Herrera tried to access a link containing apparent CSAM. This action likely led to his identification through a government honeypot file or web-based redirect.
The forensic analysis of Herrera’s phones forms the crux of the charges against him. During an interview with federal agents, Herrera allegedly admitted to viewing CSAM online for the past year and a half. Given Herrera’s proximity to six children on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the government has requested that he be held without bail pending trial.
For further details on the indictment, you can read the full court document.