ND Attorney General Drew Wrigley at the Fargo press conference, Sept. 30
North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced Tuesday during a press conference at Fargo City Hall that investigators have seized over fifty cellphones as part of an ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse materials involving multiple students, primarily at Davies High School. Wrigley said investigators have discovered “many” victims that are “having their privacy violated in ways you can only imagine” with both real images and AI-generated materials shared via Snapchat. He said Fargo and West Fargo police, as well as the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, are assisting the BCI with the investigation.
This began when a school resource officer with a West Fargo middle school was made aware in April 2025 that child sexual abuse materials were created in reference to an actual middle school child at that school, using her face. Investigators believe that these initial images were created two years prior by a high school student. Wrigley said that “she’s in middle school now,” but it’s unclear to the public how old the victim was at the time of the images first being created and circulated.
Two search warrants were executed by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation September 29th for personal items from specific Davies students; this follows an initial search done last week. Snapchat, the main platform for the abuse, was cooperative in getting information to investigators, revealing a “web” of accounts that received the images–accounts that may or may not have shared them. Around 20 students were taken into custody.
Wrigley stressed victims have not committed crimes and urged an end to harassment and blame, saying some students had to change schools. Some students are undergoing counseling. Wrigley warned those sharing the images they’re “not just being a punk – they’re committing a crime, a serious crime, in several instances a felony crime.” While some subjects are adults, no arrests have been made. Wrigley advised parents to have difficult conversations with their kids about the dangerous impact AI can have if used maliciously. The investigation continues with potential charges forthcoming. Wrigley expects charges to be filed with the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office, with potential federal charges applicable.
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