A shocking incident has rocked the community of Pikesville High School in Maryland, as a high school teacher was arrested for allegedly using artificial intelligence to create a fake audio recording filled with racist and antisemitic remarks attributed to his boss.
Dazhon Darien, a physical education teacher and the athletic director at Pikesville High School, was accused of manipulating the voice of principal Eric Eiswert in January, authorities revealed. Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough confirmed that the recording was not authentic and was generated through the use of AI technology.
Darien now faces charges of disrupting school activities, theft, retaliation against a witness, stalking, and more. The arrest warrant was issued after Darien was apprehended at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where he was questioned about a gun in his possession.
The incident stemmed from a dispute between Darien and Eiswert over school funds and coaching decisions. The fake audio, which spread rapidly on social media, caused significant disruptions at Pikesville High School, leading to Eiswert being placed on paid administrative leave.
The school district is taking steps to terminate Darien’s employment, while the community grapples with the aftermath of the fake audio. The principal’s union expressed relief that those responsible are being held accountable but emphasized the need for healing and restoration in the wake of the incident.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the Pikesville High School community remains in shock over the betrayal and deception that has unfolded within its walls.