In a surprising twist to the ever-evolving political landscape, a New York City politician has found himself at the center of a digital manipulation scandal. Known popularly as the “sperminator” for providing his sperm free of charge, Jonathan Rinaldi has been accused of employing artificial intelligence to produce counterfeit campaign materials.
Rinaldi, 47, now confronts serious legal troubles with three counts of forgery and 15 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument. Prosecutors allege that he manufactured false endorsements and fabricated news articles as part of a strategy to deceive voters during his 2025 city council campaign. The charges were disclosed in a statement issued by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, which has garnered significant attention.
At his arraignment on June 24, Prosecutor Leann Staines asserted Rinaldi’s actions were a calculated attempt to dupe Queens voters and pursue the selfish goal of securing a City Council seat. These allegations were reported by The New York Times, highlighting the lengths to which Rinaldi allegedly went to sway the political playing field.
Despite the serious nature of these accusations, Rinaldi has maintained that he is innocent of any wrongdoing. Ironically, the charges came to light in the same week that he faced another setback, losing his bid for a state assembly position.
The current legal accusations, however, are tied specifically to his unsuccessful attempt to gain a seat on the District 29 City Council in 2025. As this story develops, it underscores the complex intersection of technology and politics, raising ethical questions about the use of AI in election campaigns.
What is New York City Politician Jonathan Rinaldi Accused Of?
According to prosecutors, Rinaldi allegedly used “forged graphics” to create what looked like a legitimate endorsement sheet claiming he had support from individuals and non-profit organizations who had not endorsed him.
“Court-authorized subpoena records and search warrants revealed that, between January 17 and November 4, 2025, Rinaldi routinely and deliberately created and posted AI-generated images on his official social media accounts—primarily Facebook and Instagram—that falsely depicted endorsements from individuals and organizations that had not backed his candidacy and in fact, backed the opposition,” prosecutors noted in the statement. “The defendant also allegedly used specific AI prompts to manufacture fraudulent news articles, using the logo and branding of legitimate news organizations, and posted AI-generated videos depicting support from local public institutions that are not able to participate in politics.”
In one instance, Rinaldi allegedly falsely claimed to have the support of the Queens Jewish Alliance, using the organization’s logo to create the fake endorsement, prosecutors said.
When the head of the Queens Jewish Alliance confronted Rinaldi in a recorded call, prosecutors said the politician claimed it was “politics” and an “asymmetrical warfare” tactic.
“When you are trying to fight against the establishment,” he allegedly said, according to prosecutors, “I have to use every available tool that’s at my disposal because I already know that … you’re never going to give me your endorsement.”
He’s also accused of using AI to publish a Facebook post with a fictitious New York Post article claiming a former New York City Council member had given him his endorsement, while also using the artificial intelligence tool to create fake endorsements from police, an elementary school and other nonpartisan groups that don’t typically offer endorsements.
Rinaldi also allegedly created fake articles and video news clips claiming his opponent had dropped out of the race, using AI generated CNN branding, Daily News branding and fictional broadcasts, prosecutors said.
“Enough is enough,” Katz said in the statement. “In today’s world it is important to hold people accountable for materially misrepresenting facts.”
The district attorney argued that the fabricated documents and news stories were created in a “deliberate effort to mislead voters” before the election.
“Protecting the integrity of elections is one of the most important responsibilities of my office,” she said. “Anyone who uses emerging technology to commit fraud against the voters of this borough will be held to account.”
Jonathan Rinaldi Arraigned in Court on Forgery Charges
During his arraignment June 24, Rinaldi allegedly smirked as the charges were read, according to The New York Times, causing judge Indira Khan to remark, “Sir, this is not a joking matter.”
After the hearing, Rinaldi addressed the allegations against him outside the courthouse, claiming he had used his First Amendment rights.
“What did I do? I campaigned,” he said, per the news outlet. “I posted stuff on social media. So they arrested me? I’m allowed just like anybody else, to make any kind of content that I want. And there’s absolutely nothing that anybody can say or do about it.”
Jonathan Rinaldi Discussed Alleged Practice of Handing Out Sperm
The controversial political figure—who also appeared in six seasons of the DIY Network’s Million Dollar Contractor—was dubbed “the sperminator” in 2023 by The New York Post while running for a District 24 city council seat. The nickname came after he opened up about his alleged practice of giving out his sperm for free to those struggling with fertility.
“I had the opportunity to help some families, and that’s what I did,” he said. “End of story.”
However, Rinaldi expanded on the alleged practice to Humans of New York, claiming that he had fathered 12 children in just two years.
“I’d like as many as God will give me,” he said. “Why put your entire bloodline into one child when you can spread it out?”
Rinaldi claimed to have had sex with about “25 to 35 percent of the women” or just handed off the sperm to others, noting that “fresh is better than frozen.”
“My ultimate goal is to find two or three of the mothers who will be sister wives, because I’m gonna need help with all this,” he continued. “But I know one thing: it will never be boring. It will be fun.”
Rinaldi is currently on supervised release as the case against him proceeds in court. According to prosecutors, he could be facing a maximum sentence of two years in prison if convicted of the highest charge against him.
His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 19, per The New York Times.