April 19, 2026 · Updated April 19, 2026
An East Northport man was indicted on 62 counts after a fellow LIRR rider caught him viewing CSAM. He also used AI to create abuse images.
An East Northport man has been indicted on 62 counts for creating and distributing child sexual abuse material, including images generated using artificial intelligence — in a case that began when a fellow Long Island Rail Road commuter noticed what he was viewing on his phone and reported it.
In January 2026, Leonard Suskin, 53, was riding an LIRR train when another passenger seated nearby noticed him viewing and uploading child sexual abuse material in a chat group on his phone. The witness recorded what they saw through the gap between seats and noted the station where Suskin exited the train.
That decision to act — rather than look away — led to a full investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney's office and ultimately to a 62-count indictment.
What makes this case particularly alarming is the use of artificial intelligence. According to prosecutors, Suskin allegedly took innocuous photographs of real children and used AI programs to alter them into sexually explicit images. He then allegedly distributed this material through social media platforms.
The case highlights a disturbing new frontier in child exploitation — one where AI tools make it possible to generate abuse material from ordinary photos. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney called it a "deeply disturbing" case that demonstrates the evolving threats children face in the digital age.
Suskin was arraigned on April 6 before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis on charges of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. Justice Wilutis set bail at $200,000 cash, $600,000 bond, or $2 million partially secured bond.
He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the top count and is due back in court on May 13, 2026.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that this case only happened because an ordinary commuter chose to act. "This is exactly the kind of vigilance we need," DA Tierney said. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity can contact the Suffolk County DA's office or call 911.
The case also raises broader questions about AI regulation — a topic that has been surfacing in Long Island school district conversations as parents and educators grapple with how AI is changing the landscape for children.
