Feb 7, 2008 12:23 pm US/Eastern
Pa. Students Accused Of Sharing Cell Phone Porn
UNIONVILLE, Pa. (CBS 3) ―
A shocking investigation is underway as students of a Chester County school are accused of taking pornographic photos with cell phones and sharing them.
The scandal is unfolding at Unionville High School on Unionville Road in Kennett Square.
Police said six female students, ranging in ages from 14 to 15, took naked pictures of themselves and sent them via e-mail or cell phones to male friends. Sources said the pictures began spreading around the internet.
In a statement, district officials confirmed "reports of students forwarding inappropriate photos of themselves and of others to the cell phones of peers and possibly onto the broader internet."
School officials are hoping that the incident will send an important message.
"We believe it is important to take every opportunity to educate our students and communicate with our families about at-risk behaviors and internet safety," the district said through a statement.
Sources said anyone who downloaded or forwarded the pictures could face criminal charges.
"These images can qualify as child pornography, child pornography is illegal to own," Chief of County Detectives Albert DiGiacomo said.
Sources also told CBS 3 that some computers and cell phones have been seized.
School officials did not comment on how many students are under investigation. Officials believe the pictures may have been around for as long as a year.
So far, no charges have been filed.
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