Police say fraudulent accounts made an order appear legitimate, but store managers stopped the pickup before any merchandise was released.
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A 20-year-old man has been charged after Chatham County police said he used artificial intelligence to create fraudulent accounts while posing as a delivery driver attempting to collect merchandise from a retailer.
Dieon Cornelius Love was arrested Sept. 7 and charged with criminal attempt to commit a misdemeanor, according to police reports and Chatham County booking information. Investigators said Love allegedly used AI-created accounts to make fraudulent orders appear legitimate. Employees at the retailer noticed warning signs and contacted police before releasing the merchandise. Police said the investigation is the first criminal case in the department’s jurisdiction in which officers have directly linked alleged artificial intelligence use to an offense.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office booking record lists Love’s full name, shows that he was arrested by Chatham County police and lists a $1,300 bond. The charge is an accusation, and the available records reviewed do not establish that Love has been convicted of wrongdoing in connection with the case.
Police have released few technical details about how artificial intelligence was allegedly used. Authorities have not publicly identified the AI service or software they believe was involved, explained exactly how the accounts were generated or disclosed what information investigators believe was altered. Police also have not publicly released technical evidence showing how they determined artificial intelligence played a role in the attempted transaction.
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said emerging technology is creating new challenges for investigators and businesses. “Technology is moving at breakneck speed, and AI adds a new and uncharted element to criminal activity,” Hadley said in a statement. He said the retailer detected warning signs and contacted law enforcement before the transaction was completed.
Police-based reports described the business as a major national retailer without naming it. A separate report identified the retailer as Walmart and said the alleged activity involved the company’s Spark delivery system. Those retailer-specific details were not independently confirmed in the publicly available Chatham County police materials reviewed for this report, so authorities’ broader description of a national retailer remains the most firmly established account.
Walmart’s Spark Driver platform connects independent contractors with shopping and delivery offers, including orders that drivers pick up at stores and deliver to customers. Walmart says the platform uses identity-verification and fraud-prevention measures. Its published policies say drivers may be asked to verify their identities with government-issued identification and that the company uses technology intended to prevent unauthorized use of driver accounts.
Hadley said the Chatham County case stood out because of the alleged AI component. Police said store managers recognized irregularities before any merchandise changed hands. Authorities have not publicly said whether they believe Love acted alone, whether other fraudulent accounts are connected to the case or whether investigators have identified similar attempted transactions in Chatham County.
WSAV reported, citing a Chatham County Police Department spokesperson, that the FBI assisted local police with the investigation. No separate public FBI announcement about the case was located in the material reviewed. Authorities have not announced federal charges, and the available reports do not establish that Love faces allegations beyond the state charge identified by local police.
The case remains under investigation. As of Sept. 12, police had not publicly announced additional arrests or charges, and no publicly reported plea or response to the allegation from Love or an attorney representing him was located. Any further findings about the alleged use of artificial intelligence would depend on evidence developed as the investigation and court process continue.
Author note: Last updated September 12, 2026.