Former Vandalia Christian School teacher Richard Lynn Upright is now facing a $27 million bond after prosecutors accused him of using artificial intelligence to allegedly create explicit images involving minors, including former students.
A former North Carolina Christian school teacher is now sitting behind bars under a $27 million bond after prosecutors say he allegedly used artificial intelligence to create disturbing sexual images involving children — including some students he reportedly knew personally.
According to investigators, 56-year-old Richard Lynn Upright, a former teacher at Vandalia Christian School, is now facing a growing list of felony child exploitation charges.
Richard Lynn Upright Accused Of Using AI To Create Explicit Images Of Minors
Authorities say the investigation into Richard Lynn Upright began after Guilford County investigators received a cyber tip connected to possible child exploitation activity earlier this year.
Upright was initially arrested on February 27, 2026, and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. But prosecutors now say the situation is even bigger and more disturbing than first believed.
During a recent virtual court appearance on May 12 and 13, prosecutors revealed that Upright has now been hit with at least 20 felony counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators allegedly uncovered more evidence tied to the case.
According to court documents and reports from investigators, authorities claim Upright used artificial intelligence software and photo-editing technology to allegedly place the faces of minors onto sexually explicit images.
Officials say some of those children were allegedly former students.
Investigators reportedly identified at least 111 images connected to the investigation.
Guilford County Judge Sets Massive $27 Million Bond
The judge ordered Richard Lynn Upright to post a $27 million secured bond. That amount comes on top of a previous $750,000 bond already issued in the case.
During the hearing, prosecutors reportedly pushed for Upright to receive no bond at all due to the seriousness of the allegations and the number of alleged victims involved.
The judge ultimately stated that the bond amount was based on North Carolina sentencing guidelines connected to the number of Class E felony charges filed against Upright.
If convicted, each charge could carry a sentence of up to 88 months in prison.
As of now, Upright remains in custody at the Guilford County Detention Center.
Following his February arrest, Vandalia Christian School confirmed that Upright was immediately terminated from his teaching position.
