Nearly 20 teenagers and one adult were arrested after a sexting investigation at a local high school.
On April 23, officials at Lower Cape May Regional High School and the Richard M. Teitelman Middle School, both in Cape May, New Jersey, were alerted by a female student that naked pictures of her friend were being texted to male students around the school. The officials notified the Lower Township School Resource Officer and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Lower Township Police Department began to investigate.
Police seized and analyzed 27 cell phones during the investigation. Officials say several nude and partially nude pictures of female students were exchanged between male students via text messages and social media.
Police say 19 juveniles and one adult were charged with invasion of privacy in connection to the photos.
“The prevalence of "sexting" among our High School and Middle School children is concerning,” a spokesperson for the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office wrote. “The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office offers a free seminar to every school within Cape May County on the dangers and consequences of cyberbullying and sexting. It is imperative that these students understand the severity of their actions and the impact that their actions have on themselves, their victims, and the community. Students in other Cape May County schools should be aware that these actions are criminal and can lead to prosecution.”
