Congressman Mackenzie Applauds use of AI Legislation in Conviction, Thanks Local Law Enforcement

Allentown, PA - An individualfrom Bethlehem is set to be sentenced on Monday, 12/15/25, on one count of possession of materials depicting child sexual abuse. His conviction follows the implementation of a new law, Act 125 of 2024. This law, introduced in its initial form by then-State Rep. Mackenzie in 2023 and later championed by State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick in 2024, bans the nonconsensual dissemination of AI deepfake images. The law further extends penalties for dissemination of child sexual abuse materials that are created using AI.

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded the successful use of this new law and thanked Sen. Pennycuick, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan, and members of local law enforcement.

"As technology evolves, abusers deploy new tools to harass, violate, and extort their victims," said Congressman Mackenzie. "As lawmakers, we have a duty to keep up with the changing tactics of abusers and ensure that victims have the necessary protection under the law. I'm proud to have kicked off this effort during my time as a Pennsylvania state representative, and

I'm grateful to Sen. Pennycuick for championing this effort and delivering this critical reform to the people of Pennsylvania. We also thank District Attorney Holihan and the members of local law enforcement who used this legislation to secure justice in this case."

"Unfortunately, AI technology can be used for good or evil. As Chair of the state Senate Communications and Technology Committee, I introduced Senate Bill 1213, now Act 125 of 2024 to address the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults," said Senator Pennycuick."I'm grateful law enforcement now has the tools they need to bring these depraved individuals to justice."

"Before this law was passed, the use of AI to create child sexual abuse matieral went unpunished," said District Attorney Gavin Holihan. "Prosecutors like me need legislation like this to arrest and convict the criminals who use evolving technologies to victimize others. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie and Sen. Pennycuick for working to strengthen these laws."

Act 125 builds on past work by Rep. Mackenzie to support victims of abuse.

As a State Representative, Mackenzie wrotebipartisan legislation to ensure that domestic violence victims are able to receive unemployment compensation when they have to leave their jobs for their own safety. As a member of Congress, he recently co-sponsoredthe Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025, which reauthorizes and strengthens federal programs that are designed to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders.

"Abusers target victims at every stage of life and use a wide range of tactics," said Congressman Mackenzie. "Potential victims and survivors in our community deserve strong protections and forward-thinking legislation. I'll keep working with lawmakers on both sides to deliver safety for our communities, justice for victims, and resources for law enforcement."

Then-State Rep. Mackenzie's 2023 bill can be found HERE

Text for Act 125 of 2024 can be found HERE

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