The local community in Vero Beach is facing a concerning cybercrime investigation, highlighting the growing dangers of advanced technology in our digital spaces. Officers with the Vero Beach Police Department have arrested a local resident after uncovering a disturbing pattern of harassment involving artificial intelligence.
Peter Solomon Ruma, a 37-year-old Vero Beach man, is currently being held on a $1 million bond. According to law enforcement, Ruma is accused of harvesting photographs from social media and various online platforms to generate and distribute sexually explicit, AI-altered images of women without their consent. Following a comprehensive search of his residence and electronic devices, local investigators recovered significant evidence directly linking him to the creation and dissemination of these illicit deepfakes.
After the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained, and Ruma is currently facing eight charges stemming from incidents occurring between June and August 2026 relating to one female victim.
The specific charges filed against the suspect include:
- Three counts of creating altered sexual depictions
- Three counts of promoting those depictions
- One count of sexual cyber harassment
- One count of stalking
Authorities suspect this malicious activity may have been ongoing for years, and several additional potential victims have already been identified by police. Because many individuals may be completely unaware that their likeness was manipulated and shared online, the investigation remains highly active, and additional charges could be filed in the future.
The Vero Beach Police Department is publicly urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized, or who has received, viewed, or has information regarding these explicit images, to contact local law enforcement immediately.
