Vero Beach man arrested, accused of creating sexual deepfake images of women without their consent
(Deep fake example images, for presentation purposes only)
VERO BEACH, Fla. — A Vero Beach man has been arrested after police say he used artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit altered images of women without their consent and then distributed or promoted the images online.
Peter Solomon Ruma, 37, of Vero Beach, was arrested following an investigation by the Vero Beach Police Department that began with a report from a female victim. According to police, investigators determined that photographs obtained from social media and other online sources were used to create some of the altered images.
Detectives subsequently obtained search warrants for Ruma’s residence and electronic devices. A forensic examination of the devices reportedly uncovered evidence investigators believe is connected to the creation and distribution of the altered sexual images.
Ruma is facing eight charges stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred between June and August 2026:
- Three counts of Creation of an Altered Sexual Depiction of an Identifiable Person, under Florida Statute 836.13(2)
- Three counts of Promotion of an Altered Sexual Depiction of an Identifiable Person, under Florida Statute 836.13(4)
- One count of Sexual Cyberharassment, under Florida Statute 784.049(3)(a)
- One count of Stalking, under Florida Statute 784.048(2)
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Police believe there may be additional victims
Although the current charges involve one female victim, detectives say the investigation uncovered several other women who are believed to have been victimized through similar conduct.
Police also said they have information indicating Ruma may have engaged in similar activity for several years.
Investigators are now urging anyone who believes they may have been targeted — including people who may have received or viewed altered or sexually explicit images allegedly created or distributed by Ruma — to come forward.
Authorities cautioned that there could be victims who remain unaware that images depicting them were allegedly created or distributed.
The Vero Beach Police Department credited the initial victim with having the courage to report the incidents and thanked the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office for assisting with the investigation.
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Ruma held on $1 million bond
- Anyone with information or who believes they may have been victimized is asked to contact Detective Matakaetis with the Vero Beach Police Department at (772) 978-4665.
- Anonymous tips can also be provided to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477. Police said callers may be eligible for a cash reward.
The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges could be filed as more victims or evidence are identified. Ruma is currently being held at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office on a $1 million bond.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Ruma are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For more on the story, see the video below.
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(Source: Vero Beach Police Department)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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