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Thaden School Removes Photographer from Summer Camp After Arrest for Child Sexual Abuse Material
Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, announced on Saturday that local photographer Russell Bloodworth will not lead any of the school’s summer camps after his arrest on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material. The school’s spokeswoman, Sam Bertoncino, said the decision was made to protect students and families. Bloodworth had previously worked with the school, providing photography services for a 2024 community dinner, leading a 2025 summer camp, and renting campus space for his business.
Bloodworth’s name had appeared on a listing for a July photography camp for third‑ and fourth‑graders, but the school confirmed he will not be involved. “In the best interest of our campers and families, the camp will be led by Mike Day,” Bertoncino said. Day is a faculty member with experience as an independent filmmaker and storyteller.
Bloodworth was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of 100 counts of distributing, possessing or viewing sexually explicit conduct involving a child and possession of a controlled substance, according to court documents. Prosecutors have not filed formal charges. He was released from Benton County Jail on $350,000 bail. Judge A.J. Anglin ordered that he have no contact with children except his biological children and that he wear a home‑monitoring unit. The judge also prohibited access to social media, AI image‑generation applications and photography equipment. The judge’s order also includes a home‑monitoring unit to track Bloodworth’s movements. The case is being handled by the Benton County Circuit Court.
Bentonville police received a tip on Monday that an account using Grok AI was generating child sexual abuse material. A police detective reviewed images and identified 12 AI‑generated photos that appeared to pose and remove clothing from minors. The detective also found a hidden folder on Bloodworth’s cellphone containing more than 1,700 images and videos, most depicting prepubescent and pubescent females in sexual poses. Police seized more than 60 devices capable of storing digital evidence. The detective noted that the volume of real and AI‑generated photos suggested Bloodworth had taken professional photographs of juvenile clients and then altered them with AI tools. The detective’s affidavit also noted that distinguishing the AI‑generated images from real photographs would require digital forensic analysis.
The school directed families with questions to contact the Bentonville Police Department at (479) 271‑3170 or email digital.forensics@bentonville.ar.gov. Bertoncino emphasized that the safety and well‑being of students and the community remain the highest priority. Bloodworth’s arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. July 20 in Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green’s court. No formal charges have yet been filed, and the case remains pending.
At present, Bloodworth remains free on bail while the investigation continues. The school has replaced him with faculty member Mike Day for the July photography camp. Police are seeking any clients who may have had their images used. The upcoming arraignment will determine whether formal charges are filed. The case highlights the growing concern over AI‑generated child sexual abuse material and the legal and institutional responses to such offenses.
Bloodworth’s name had appeared on a listing for a July photography camp for third‑ and fourth‑graders, but the school confirmed he will not be involved. “In the best interest of our campers and families, the camp will be led by Mike Day,” Bertoncino said. Day is a faculty member with experience as an independent filmmaker and storyteller.
Bloodworth was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of 100 counts of distributing, possessing or viewing sexually explicit conduct involving a child and possession of a controlled substance, according to court documents. Prosecutors have not filed formal charges. He was released from Benton County Jail on $350,000 bail. Judge A.J. Anglin ordered that he have no contact with children except his biological children and that he wear a home‑monitoring unit. The judge also prohibited access to social media, AI image‑generation applications and photography equipment. The judge’s order also includes a home‑monitoring unit to track Bloodworth’s movements. The case is being handled by the Benton County Circuit Court.
Bentonville police received a tip on Monday that an account using Grok AI was generating child sexual abuse material. A police detective reviewed images and identified 12 AI‑generated photos that appeared to pose and remove clothing from minors. The detective also found a hidden folder on Bloodworth’s cellphone containing more than 1,700 images and videos, most depicting prepubescent and pubescent females in sexual poses. Police seized more than 60 devices capable of storing digital evidence. The detective noted that the volume of real and AI‑generated photos suggested Bloodworth had taken professional photographs of juvenile clients and then altered them with AI tools. The detective’s affidavit also noted that distinguishing the AI‑generated images from real photographs would require digital forensic analysis.
The school directed families with questions to contact the Bentonville Police Department at (479) 271‑3170 or email digital.forensics@bentonville.ar.gov. Bertoncino emphasized that the safety and well‑being of students and the community remain the highest priority. Bloodworth’s arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. July 20 in Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green’s court. No formal charges have yet been filed, and the case remains pending.
At present, Bloodworth remains free on bail while the investigation continues. The school has replaced him with faculty member Mike Day for the July photography camp. Police are seeking any clients who may have had their images used. The upcoming arraignment will determine whether formal charges are filed. The case highlights the growing concern over AI‑generated child sexual abuse material and the legal and institutional responses to such offenses.
