A former Texas volleyball coach has been arrested after authorities say he allegedly attempted to groom a teenage girl for a sexual relationship, reportedly using artificial intelligence to plan his actions.
Matthan Lough, 32, was taken into custody Wednesday by Mesquite Police and charged with third-degree felony child grooming.
Officials say the alleged victim, 17, first encountered Lough in May 2023 at a cousin’s graduation party.
Lough, the son of former Christian Center of Mesquite Senior Pastor Kevin Lough, approached the teen while she was playing volleyball and invited her to join a new team he was forming, the Mesquite Dynasty Volleyball Club, which he later coached, Fox 4 reports.
According to authorities, Lough’s communications gradually escalated over time. Beginning this spring, messages reportedly shifted from casual compliments and jokes to sexually explicit content, including requests for nude images.
The victim told investigators she complied out of fear, as Lough allegedly referenced firearms and threatened violence to maintain control, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Three incidents in September form the basis of the child grooming charges. These reportedly included inappropriate contact at church events, sexual acts in a parking lot during his daughter’s gymnastics class and sexual contact outside a Forney restaurant.
The victim described feeling “fearful and trapped” during these encounters.
Investigators also discovered a document on Lough’s iPad titled “Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan,” which appears to be AI-generated.
The plan reportedly outlined five steps for manipulating the victim: “Stabilize & Strengthen her,” “Plant Gentle Doubts,” “Rebuild her Autonomy,” “Shift the Power Dynamic,” and “Let Her Choose.”
Authorities believe the document may provide insight into the alleged grooming tactics.
The alleged misconduct was reported after the victim and her mother discovered explicit messages on Oct. 2. Some messages had already been deleted from the teen’s phone.
Lough’s wife reportedly found similar communications on his device, prompting her to file for divorce and leave the state.
Lough previously worked as a teacher at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy in Mesquite.
The Christian Center of Mesquite stated he was not a church employee but acknowledged that some alleged interactions may have taken place on church property.
The organization said it is reviewing policies in response to the allegations.
Criminologist Alex del Carmen highlighted the broader implications, warning that AI tools could be misused to manipulate or victimize individuals.
“Once artificial intelligence became accessible to the public, we criminologists began to be concerned,” he said.
Del Carmen stressed the importance of parents maintaining open communication to safeguard children in a rapidly evolving technological environment
Lough was granted a $10,000 bond and appears to have been released. Authorities have not reported additional suspects and continue to investigate the alleged grooming and related evidence.
The case underscores growing concerns about digital tools being exploited in criminal schemes and the critical role of parents, schools and community organizations in protecting minors.
Experts note that ongoing vigilance and transparency are essential as law enforcement examines the potential use of AI in predatory behavior.
