A former teacher and sports coach from Texas faces charges after allegedly attempting to groom a teenage girl, utilizing an AI-generated document to outline manipulative strategies.
Matthan Lough, aged 32, was apprehended on December 10, charged with a single count of child grooming, as reported by FOX 4.
Prosecutors have indicated that Lough engaged in inappropriate interactions with a 17-year-old girl who was part of the Christian Center of Mesquite church community. This church was previously led by Lough’s father, who stepped down from his pastoral role on November 23. Subsequently, Lough assumed the role of the girl’s volleyball coach.
The case came to light when the girl’s mother discovered unsuitable text exchanges between Lough and her daughter and alerted local authorities in early October, according to FOX 4.
Matthan Lough, who had been serving as a teacher and volleyball coach, has been charged with child grooming in Mesquite, Texas, according to FOX 4. (Mesquite Police Department)
During a police interview, the teenager recounted meeting Lough at her cousin’s graduation celebration in May 2023. Lough reportedly approached her while she was playing volleyball with her sister, discussing his intentions of forming a new sports team.
In the spring of 2025, Lough allegedly contacted the victim to request her phone number so that he could send her a volleyball highlight reel, FOX 4 reported. However, authorities reportedly say the conversations quickly escalated in the summer, with Lough sending the victim text messages about her appearance. He later allegedly began requesting explicit photos from the minor.
Authorities pointed to three key alleged incidents in September that ultimately led to the child grooming charges, according to FOX 4. Prosecutors allege Lough hugged and kissed the victim inside a storage closet at their shared church, participated in oral sex with the victim while his daughter was in gymnastics class, and met up with her in a parking lot, where he is accused of touching the victim inappropriately.
Matthan Lough was arrested on an alleged child grooming charge in the Dallas suburb of Mesquite, Texas, on Dec. 10, 2025. (iStock)
As officials began investigating Lough’s alleged behavior, they reportedly discovered an AI-generated document titled, “Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan.” The five-step plan allegedly outlined ways to manipulate women, while providing details on how to achieve each step.
According to the affidavit, the five steps were to “stabilize and strengthen her,” “plant gentle doubts,” “rebuild her autonomy,” “shift the power dynamic,” and finally, “let her choose.”
The victim also reportedly told investigators she felt fearful of Lough because he had a “step-by-step process” on how to kill someone and also carried a concealed firearm.
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Matthan Lough is accused of using an AI-generated outline to sexually groom a 17-year-old girl after the pair met in the spring of 2023, according to FOX 4. (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Christian Center of Mesquite said Lough was not an employee of the church, but conceded the allegations may have taken place on the organization’s property.
“The Church Board is unified in its strongest possible condemnation of the criminal actions that led to this arrest,” the board said in a statement. “We note that Mathan Lough was not an employee of CCM. Our immediate priority is to support and seek justice for the victim and her family. We extend our deepest prayers for their healing and protection during this profoundly painful time.”
Lough’s father, Senior Pastor Kevin Lough, reportedly resigned from his position last month, though he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The Mesquite Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Lough previously worked as a teacher and coach at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy, and formerly served as a club volleyball coach for a local team, according to FOX 4.
Fox News Digital was unable to immediately identify an attorney representing Lough.
