ATF agent testifies linking arson suspect to dark web and AI use in Lachman Fire trial

An ATF special agent returned to the stand Wednesday in the federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, telling jurors investigators found software on the defendant’s phone linking him to the dark web and that he asked ChatGPT how to delete all video messages from iCloud shortly after a search warrant was served.

The agent also testified that Rinderknecht used artificial intelligence to generate images depicting wildfires and wealth disparity.

Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht intentionally set the Lachman Fire on Jan. 1, 2025, and that the blaze smoldered underground for a week before reigniting as the Palisades Fire during high winds on Jan. 7.

They say he acted out of anger at society because he had no friends and received no invitations to New Year’s celebrations.

Legal analyst Neama Rahmani said the defense appears focused on separating the two fires in the minds of jurors.

Read more: ABC 7