Antonio Rotondo: Man accused of creating deep fake images of students, teachers faces Southport court

A man arrested during the Gold Coast 500 after allegedly creating sexualised deep fake images of teachers and students – some just 13 – has made a bid for freedom. FULL DETAILS

A man arrested on the Gold Coast after allegedly creating sexualised deep fake images of teachers and students – some aged just 13 years old – has made a failed bid for freedom.

Antonio Rotondo, 53, appeared to be wearing a hospital gown when he was brought into Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.

He faces five charges of obscene publications and exhibitions and one each of obscene publication and exhibition of a child under 16 and endangering particular property by fire.

Mr Rotondo has been in custody since his arrest during the Gold Coast 500, with police raiding the Surfers Paradise unit he was staying in while on holiday.

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Police have charged Antonio Rotondo with making deep fake images after raiding the Surfers Paradise unit he was staying in during the GC500. Picture Queensland Police

Police prosecutor Chris Freeman told the court this week that Mr Rotondo was allegedly caught “red-handed” with deep fake images of students and teachers from schools in Brisbane and around the country.

“The pictures involved show students and teachers from these schools – some as young as 13 – with their faces altered (and) wearing lingerie and other sexual poses, that were distributed on public sites,” Mr Freeman said.

“He’s intended to defame and humiliate them, again not appreciating the consequences of his actions on the lives of these people.”

Mr Freeman said the 53-year-old – who ordinarily lived in the Philippines – was allegedly also caught with the drill he used to cut into a Broadbeach gas line before attempting to start a fire with an “explosive substance”.

. Picture Queensland Police

He said the location was close to a residential high-rise and several shops, with police allegedly finding photos of other potential targets in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Main Beach on Mr Rotondo’s phone.

“A fire was commenced and it was only by good luck, not good management, that there wasn’t an explosion,” Mr Freeman said.

“It’s considered people would have been injured (or) killed.”

Duty lawyer Breannan Callaghan said Mr Rotondo would likely be taken to hospital if granted bail, but would be willing to report to police and surrender his passport upon his release.

Magistrate Janice Crawford refused his bail, saying his mental health concerns were potentially driving his alleged offending and that no conditions could minimise his risk to the community.

Mr Rotondo will be remanded in custody with his case adjourned to December 14.