AI Predator COACH Exposed in Shocking Case

A former Texas coach used artificial intelligence to create a detailed grooming plan targeting a teenage girl, marking the first known case of AI-assisted child predation in America.

Story Snapshot

Matthan Lough, 32, arrested for using AI-generated “Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan” to groom 17-year-old victim
Five-step manipulation strategy discovered on coach’s iPad during police investigation
Abuse occurred through church and volleyball connections, exploiting positions of trust
Case represents unprecedented use of AI technology to systematically target children

AI-Generated Blueprint for Predation

Mesquite Police discovered a chilling AI-generated document titled “Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan” on Matthan Lough’s iPad during their December investigation. The five-step strategy outlined specific phases: “Stabilize and Strengthen her,” “Plant Gentle Doubts,” “Rebuild her Autonomy,” “Shift the Power Dynamic,” and “Let Her Choose.” This calculated approach represents a disturbing evolution in predatory behavior, using artificial intelligence to create a systematic blueprint for child manipulation.

The document’s clinical approach demonstrates premeditated intent to psychologically manipulate the victim. Each phase was designed to gradually erode the teenager’s resistance while making her believe she was making autonomous choices. This methodical strategy allowed Lough to exploit his positions as a coach and pastor’s son, using trusted community roles to gain access and credibility with his target.

Exploitation Through Community Trust

Lough initially met the victim at her cousin’s graduation in May 2023, approaching her during a volleyball game to recruit her for his planned Mesquite Dynasty Volleyball Club. The former Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy teacher leveraged his father’s position as Senior Pastor at Christian Center of Mesquite to establish credibility and trust. These community connections provided Lough with legitimate reasons to contact and interact with the teenager over an extended period.

The grooming escalated significantly in spring 2025 when Lough contacted the victim for her phone number under the pretense of sending volleyball highlights. Communications quickly evolved from coaching-related discussions to inappropriate compliments about her appearance, admissions of sexual arousal, and explicit photo requests. The victim complied with his demands primarily out of fear, particularly after Lough allegedly discussed having a “step-by-step process on how to kill someone” and carried a concealed firearm.

Pattern of Escalating Abuse

Three documented incidents in September 2025 marked the physical escalation of Lough’s grooming campaign. Police records detail a hug and kiss in the church storage closet, oral sex in a parking lot during his daughter’s gymnastics class, and inappropriate touching in a Forney restaurant parking lot. These encounters demonstrate how Lough used his AI-generated plan to gradually shift the power dynamic and normalize increasingly inappropriate behavior.

Former Texas coach allegedly used AI document to groom teen with manipulation tactics: report https://t.co/TwZuyFDo3R pic.twitter.com/4oOKThZ7Ax

— New York Post (@nypost) December 18, 2025

The victim’s mother discovered inappropriate text messages in early October 2025 and immediately contacted Mesquite Police. This parental vigilance proved crucial in stopping the abuse and bringing criminal charges. Lough’s father, Senior Pastor Kevin Lough, resigned from Christian Center of Mesquite on November 23, 2025, though no accusations have been made against him. The church board issued a statement emphasizing that Matthan Lough was never employed by the organization and expressing their “strongest possible condemnation” of his actions.

Implications for Child Safety

This case represents a dangerous precedent for how predators might weaponize artificial intelligence technology against children. Criminologist Alex del Carmen noted the case “underscores emerging concerns about AI misuse,” while law enforcement officials express alarm about AI falling into the wrong hands. The systematic nature of the AI-generated plan suggests predators can now access sophisticated psychological manipulation strategies previously requiring extensive criminal experience or training.

The intersection of technology, trusted community positions, and systematic grooming tactics demands immediate attention from parents, educators, and policymakers. Youth sports organizations and religious institutions must implement enhanced screening procedures and monitoring systems to prevent similar exploitation. This case serves as a wake-up call that traditional safeguards may prove inadequate against technologically-enhanced predatory behavior targeting America’s children.