Ontario Councilor Corinna Traill has been arrested and charged with making threats after allegedly leaving a disturbing voicemail for a former mayoral candidate, claiming it was generated by artificial intelligence.
Ontario Councilor Corinna Traill has been arrested and charged with making threats against a former mayoral candidate, Tom Dingwall. The charges stem from a voicemail she allegedly left for Dingwall last summer, which he claims contained violent threats.
According to the Peterborough Police Service, Traill was taken into custody on Wednesday and faces two counts of uttering threats. The incident reportedly occurred in August when Dingwall received a voicemail from Traill, warning him not to run for mayor so that a friend of hers could run unchallenged.
In a post on Facebook, Dingwall detailed the contents of the voicemail, alleging that Traill threatened to come to his home, kill him, and sexually assault his wife. He expressed his outrage, stating, “To be clear, no elected official, paid to represent us, should utilize intimidation or threats to dissuade anyone from pursuing elected office or engaging in public service, especially to the benefit of their friend.”
In response to the allegations, Traill took to Facebook in September to deny sending the voicemail. She asserted, “I want to state clearly and unequivocally: I did not create this message.” Traill claimed that artificial intelligence technology was involved in the creation of the voicemail, stating that while parts of the message included her voice, other portions were generated artificially.
She further explained that her team was investigating the origins of the message, emphasizing her commitment to serving her community. “For more than a decade I have worked to represent the best interests of our community, advocate for our residents, and ensure that local decision-making reflects the values and priorities of the people I serve,” she wrote. “That dedication will not waver in light of these circumstances.”
Traill has since been released from jail on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court in January, according to the police department. Fox News Digital has reached out to Traill for further comment on the situation.
The case has raised questions about the implications of artificial intelligence in political discourse and the potential for misuse in threatening communications. As the investigation continues, the community watches closely to see how this unusual situation unfolds.
According to Fox News, the incident highlights the need for clarity and accountability in political communications, especially in an era where technology can blur the lines of authenticity.