A Houston gun store owner is out on bond, accused of using AI to create explicit fake images of a local influencer, court documents show.
HOUSTON — A Houston gun store owner is facing serious charges after investigators say he used artificial intelligence and social media to impersonate a local influencer and create sexually explicit, fake images of her online.
Court documents show that 37-year-old Jorge Abrego, co-owner of HTX Tactical in north Houston, was arrested this month after detectives with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office linked multiple fake TikTok accounts to him.
Court developments
Abrego appeared in court on Wednesday morning, where a judge revoked his personal bond and ordered him to pay a new $10,000 bond in full to make bail again.
Court records show Abrego has since bonded out. The judge also put a protective order in place.
He is formally charged with felony online impersonation.
Allegations and evidence
The alleged victim, a Houston-area content creator, told investigators she discovered one of the fake TikTok profiles earlier this year using a slightly altered version of her username. The profile allegedly featured nude photos with heart emojis covering her breasts and genital area.
Later, AI-generated pornographic videos also surfaced, including one depicting a woman in lingerie bent over a table. The victim told authorities she has never posted nude images or videos of herself online.
According to court records, Abrego admitted during an Aug. 15 interview that he created the TikTok accounts and generated the explicit images using AI — acknowledging he knew the content could harm the influencer financially by damaging her ability to make money.
Detectives issued subpoenas to TikTok and later to T-Mobile and Yahoo after retrieving the account’s registered phone number and email address. The results linked directly to Abrego, and the IP address used to create the accounts was traced back to his business, HTX Tactical.
Investigators also found more than 50 sexually explicit files on Abrego’s phone that appeared to be fake content made to look like the victim. Court documents say she recognized Abrego because he had previously told her he was in love with her.
Broader concerns over AI crimes
Although not involved in this case, Lt. Ken Washington of the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office said these types of crimes are on the rise.
“They’re deceiving the public — it’s not really that individual,” Washington said.
He also shared his personal experience with deepfakes, saying he had once been impersonated online and that his own daughter was targeted by fake accounts.
Washington pointed to new laws that give law enforcement stronger tools to go after predators in these cases, including the Take It Down Act and the Texas Unlawful Production or Distribution of Certain Sexually Explicit Videos law.
HTX Tactical responds
The co-owners of HTX Tactical released a statement early Wednesday morning:
“HTX Tactical is aware that one of its co-owners, Jorge Abrego, was arrested earlier today by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, accused of online impersonation and unlawful production of explicit computer-generated imagery.
“We want to emphasize that these are allegations and Mr. Abrego is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
“While this situation does not reflect the company’s values or its day-to-day operations, we take these allegations very seriously. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue their investigation. HTX Tactical is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance, and we are carefully reviewing internal processes to ensure that our business remains focused on serving the needs of our customers and community.
“We thank our loyal customers, employees, and partners for their continued support during this time.
“— Javier Garcia, Co-Owner of HTX Tactical”
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