FBI Finds That Black Staffer Used AI-Generated Audio To Frame White Principal As Racist

In January, Baltimore County Public Schools suspended high school principal Eric Eiswer amid an investigation into a recording that allegedly contained audio of the principal making racist comments about students and staff. 

The voice in the recording hears a man rant about black students and Jewish families. 

However, the Baltimore police said on Thursday that the man in the recording is not Eiswer. The department cited "conclusive forensic evidence" from the FBI that proves the voice in question is AI-generated. 

You can listen to the recording below:

"Detectives then sought an additional analysis by the University of California, Berkley, which arrived at the same findings as the FBI's analysis," reports the Baltimore-based WBAL-TV.

Who would frame the principal by creating an AI-generated hate crime hoax? 

Investigators believe a former black staff member named Dazhon Darien is responsible for the stunt. They say Darien sought to retaliate against Eiswert, who, at the time, was pursuing an investigation into the potential mishandling of school funds.

WBAL-TV explains that Darien was the subject of an "internal audit" after the school opted not to renew his contract. Darien was let go for "work-performance issues" that included terminating a coach without approval and allegedly paying teachers under the table for helping him with his job.

Who wouldn't want to renew that guy's contract?

"While I am unable to get into specific personnel details, we are exploring administrative changes given the immense impact of this incident on the Pikesville High School community and the local, national and international coverage," Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Myriam Rogers said.

Though Darien originally denied involvement, police connected an email address that sent out the audio clip to Darien's grandmother's home in Los Angeles. The recovery phone linked to the account was Darien's own.

Not the brightest criminal on the block, amirite?

Police also say Darien used the school network to search for AI tools. 

"Officers with the Maryland Transportation Authority took Mr. Darien into custody this morning at BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport as he was attempting to board a flight," Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said.

The story is horrific. It's terrifying. 

Eric Eiswer is innocent, yet had to endure a suspension and months of hate-filled messages and threats on social media. The AI-generated recording ruined his reputation and threatened to jeopardize his career.  

Darien, 31, faces multiple charges, including stalking, theft, disruption of school operations, and retaliation against a witness. However, laws specifically pertaining to AI hoaxes could be necessary.

AI technology is so advanced that all of us are vulnerable to such hoaxes. Surely, Eiswer isn't the first person to fall victim to AI-style framing – particularly if a dimwit like Darien was able to figure out how. 

Using the same strategy, someone could use AI to frame another person for a crime, leading to charges and/or severe damages.

Society has long dismissed those who swear it wasn't them on the audio call admitting guilt. "Yeah, right," we reflexively scoff. We will have to be more cautious moving forward.