“MADEIRA, Ohio – Hundreds of students are believed to be involved in recent “sexting” cases at Madeira High School.

Madeira police just wrapped up two investigations surrounding the incidents. In these cases the “sexting” involves students sharing cellphone photos of nude or sexually involved minors.

The first case occurred in late January, and involves an underage male student videotaping himself during a sexual act, and then sending it to friends.

Madeira Police Chief Frank Maupin says the boy is charged with disseminating sexually explicit material to minors, which is a felony. The juvenile has a court date in March. He’s been expelled from the high school.

The second investigation started in February when a group of girls took pictures of themselves and then sent the cellphone photos to other students.

By just forwarding the photos to other minors, students were committing a felony offense.” – WKRC, Cincinnati

In Ohio, a minor caught creating, distributing or possessing a sexually explicit image of a minor could be prosecuted under the State’s child pornography laws and if convicted, will be required to register as a sex offender. Simply put, the state sees this as pornography.  Today, due to the various technologies – internet and cell phone cameras, juveniles are being charged with sex crimes.  Often, these crimes are not the same as adult sex offenses but if convicted the penalties can be as severe and life altering. Their freedom and future academic status are jeopardized. A reputation could be damaged.

The Bottom Line: 15 or 16 years don’t think beyond childhood. Their mistakes shouldn’t follow them forever. They don’t realize that a digital footprint hangs around and pictures, however suggestive or embarrassing will outlive them.  They need help protecting their name. If there is an opportunity for the records to be sealed, a good Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney is needed. Common sense says teens snapping pictures of themselves is certainly not the same thing as felony distribution of child pornography.  I will vigorously fight for reasonable penalties even an educational program and not a lifetime as a registered sex offender. Criminalizing an admittedly unwise behavior that 25 percent of teens engage in, consensually, is taking things too far.  Put my number in your mobile:  513-260-2099.