A digitally manipulated image of State Rep. Maureen Bauer has recently surfaced online in what is being called "a sextortion attempt," a news release from the Indiana House of Representatives says.

Bauer, D-South Bend, has filed reports with the Indiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation over the image. Her team is also working with "appropriate platforms and legal channels" to have the image removed and those responsible for its creation held accountable.

"No one should ever be subjected to this kind of violation," reads the statement from Anna Groover, communications director for the Indiana House of Representatives. "Deepfake exploitation and the creation of altered sexual images are a form of abuse and will not be tolerated."

She urged the public "not to view, shar

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