SAN ANTONIO -- Teens and pre-teens love to send pictures and texts through their cell phones. But, what they send could land them in jail, prison or the sexual offender registry! It’s all connected to a new trend called "sexting". That’s practice of sending nude pictures or sexual messages via the cell phone.
SAPD Detective George Segura has worked a dozen "sexting" cases. The latest one involves two 14-year-olds now facing charges of child pornography. According to Det. Segura, a boyfriend and girlfriend, barely teenagers, shared intimate, nude pictures with each other and when the girl’s mother found the images, she called the authorities.
Detective Segura says, "When the mother called police, she didn’t realize her daughter could also be charged with possession, production and promotion of child pornography."
It is now up to the District Attorney to determine if the case should proceed in Juvenile Court.
Even with the threat of a criminal record, some kids may not understand the long-term consequences. Most local teens interviewed by News 4 WOAI say they’ve heard of "sexting" or have even seen nude pictures of classmates. Most thought it was a bad idea to "sext" but some call it "harmless fun".
Detective Segura hopes to educate parents and students about the legal trouble minors can get into by "sexting." And, he recommends that parents not give teens picture-ready cell phones in the first place. And, to always monitor what their children are texting.
