Madeira students accused of 'sexting;' one minor facing felony charge

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.

"They don't realize they've committed a crime by forwarding a picture on, or sending a picture," said Maupin.

Maupin said no one is facing charges in the second case. He said after sitting down with parents, no one wanted to press charges.

"The kids need to be educated on the consequences," said Maupin.

Just last year, the Jessica Logan Act was signed into effect in Ohio. It requires schools to educate kids about sexting and to enact anti-bullying policies to discourage the distribution of any explicit photos.

Madeira High School claims none of the events happened at the school.

Logan was the Sycamore High student who committed suicide in 2009 after she sent a nude photo of herself to a classmate, who forwarded it to other students.