Charlotte Child Psychiatrist Sentenced To 40 Years For Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte child psychiatrist was sentenced to 40 years in prison for producing and possessing child pornographic images and videos, according to the United States Department of Justice.

The attorney’s office states that David Tatum, 41, sexually exploited a child and used artificial intelligence to create child pornographic images of minors.

Tatum was ordered to pay an undetermined restitution within 90 days, a $100 special assessment per count of conviction and a $99,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornographic Victim Assistance Act.

Evidence showed that Tatum possessed child pornographic images from 2016 to 2021. Around July of 2016, court documents revealed that Tatum secretly recorded a minor undressing and showering. 

Tatum also made similar secret recordings of others, including one of his patients that turned 18 years old five days prior to recording them.

Additionally, trial evidence revealed that Tatum used a web-based AI application to digitally alter clothed images of minors into child pornography. Two of the images Tatum used to modify were from a school dance and a photo commemorating the first day of school.

Tatum was convicted of three child pornographic-related charges by a federal jury on May 4th of this year.

Following Tatum’s 40-year prison sentence, he will require 30 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board in any state or jurisdiction where he works or lives.