A Maryland high school athletic director, Dazhon Darien, was arrested for allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create racist and antisemitic audio in the voice of his boss. The recording targeted Pikesville High School Principal Eric Eiswert, who had been investigating Darien for potential mishandling of school funds. The voice recording, widely circulated on social media, included Eiswert making derogatory comments about Black and Jewish families at the school. However, an extensive investigation by the FBI and a forensic analyst determined that the audio was not authentic.
The audio recording led to a wave of hate-filled messages directed at Eiswert and caused significant disruptions for the school staff and students. The incident prompted Baltimore County School Superintendent Myriam Rogers to begin the administrative process to discipline Darien, who faces charges including theft, stalking, disruption of school operations, and retaliation against a witness. Additionally, the school is investigating other teachers who were involved in spreading the audio. Despite the charges, Darien was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond following a court appearance.
Authorities first became aware of the fake voice recording on January 17, 2024, when it began circulating on social media. The recording depicted a conversation between Eiswert and one of the school’s assistant principals, with Eiswert allegedly expressing frustration about the test scores of African American students and making derogatory comments about Jewish individuals and teachers at the school. The audio was initially sent school-wide to teachers and faculty before spreading on social media.
The use of AI in creating the fake audio recording highlights the potential dangers of technology in perpetuating false information and inciting hate. The incident also underscores the impact that such actions can have on individuals targeted by fraudulent content, as Eiswert experienced a backlash of hate-filled messages and calls. The investigation into the incident involved multiple agencies, including the FBI and a forensic analyst from the University of California, Berkeley. The conclusive evidence that the audio recording was fake demonstrates the need for thorough investigative processes when addressing such incidents.
The allegations against Darien, the resulting disruptions at Pikesville High School, and the public backlash against Eiswert illustrate the far-reaching consequences of using technology to manipulate audio content. The school community was impacted by the incident, as staff and students faced disruptions and Eiswert received hateful messages. Moving forward, it is important for schools and law enforcement agencies to address such incidents promptly and take necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The legal proceedings against Darien and the ongoing investigations into the incident serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and accountability in educational institutions and the broader community.
