A former teacher and volleyball coach in Mesquite, Matthan Lough, has been arrested and charged with child grooming. The 32-year-old, who previously worked at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy and coached a local club volleyball team, faces serious allegations involving a 17-year-old girl.
The victim, who attended the same church as Lough and was part of his volleyball team, became the focus of an investigation after her mother discovered inappropriate text messages exchanged between the two. This discovery prompted the mother to contact the Mesquite Police Department in early October.
According to police reports, Lough first met the victim in May 2023 at a family gathering. He approached her while she was playing volleyball and discussed a new team he wanted to create, known as the Mesquite Dynasty Volleyball Club. The situation escalated in the summer of 2025 when Lough began sending the victim increasingly inappropriate messages, including compliments about her looks and requests for explicit photos.
Evidence presented in Lough’s arrest warrant indicates that there were at least three separate incidents in September that contributed to the charges. These included inappropriate physical contact in various locations, such as a storage closet at the church and parking lots. The victim reported feeling fearful of Lough, citing that he had threatened her with a “step-by-step process” for committing violence and that he carried a concealed firearm.
During the investigation, authorities discovered an AI-generated document on Lough’s iPad titled “Hypothetical Counter – Influence Plan.” This document outlined a five-step method for manipulating a female, detailing strategies to destabilize her autonomy and shift the power dynamic in his favor.
Experts have expressed concern over the implications of AI technology being misused in criminal contexts. Criminologist Alex del Carmen highlighted the potential for AI to be weaponized against individuals, emphasizing the need for vigilance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
In response to the situation, the Christian Center of Mesquite, where Lough’s father served as senior pastor before resigning, stated that Lough was not an employee of the church but acknowledged the allegations might involve their facilities. The church is currently reviewing its policies in light of these events.
Del Carmen advised parents to maintain open lines of communication with their children, especially as they navigate the complexities of modern technology and potential risks. “It’s crucial for parents to be aware of their child’s activities, even when those conversations are uncomfortable,” he said.
