EVANSTON (WNE) — A man who pleaded guilty to five counts of felony possession and distribution of child sex abuse material — including artificial intelligence (AI) generated images of an underage victim closely acquainted with him — has been sentenced to 12 to 18 years behind bars.

Matthew McDowell, 47, is a Bridger Valley native, formerly of Evanston. 

He was first arrested in June 2025 following a year-long investigation by the Southwest Enforcement Team Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations after the agency received CyberTips from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

While free on bond awaiting court proceedings for the initial set of charges, McDowell was again arrested in September 2025 after investigators discovered additional illicit material consisting of AI-generated child sex abuse material using the face of a minor victim known to McDowell.

At the time of McDowell’s crimes, the state of Wyoming did not have a statute specifically regarding “morphed” or AI-generated images, but statute did define “child pornography” as any visual depiction of a child engaging in explicit sexual conduct.

This year, the state legislature passed House Bill (HB) 102 to protect kids from deepfakes and exploitative images; it takes effect on July 1. The bill outlaws the creation, possession and/or distribution of AI-produced CSAM, defining it as a felony charge punishable by 5 to 12 years behind bars.

Further concerning, SWET Special Agent Daniel Allison said during McDowell’s sentencing in the Third District Court, is that as McDowell’s social media accounts were flagged and suspended for suspected im propriety, he simply created new accounts.

McDowell said the list of those he owes apologies to continues to grow and that he will “make restitution” and accept the consequences of his actions.

“I give you my word, it will never happen again,” McDowell said.

Third District Court Judge James Kaste described McDowell’s conduct as “an absolute betrayal of trust.

“Sexualization of these kids is difficult to understand and impossible to condone,” the judge said. 

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