Centennial – Teens who sent nude cellphone pictures of classmates at Castle Rock Middle School will not face criminal charges, Douglas County District Attorney Carol Chambers announced Thursday.
Authorities did not press charges because the students involved were underage and did not have criminal intent when sending the pictures, she said.
But Chambers’ decision came as another student at the school came forward with cellphone pictures of a naked classmate. Chambers said police are investigating that incident because it appears the pictures were taken without the student’s consent.
“We suspect we’re going to have more people come forward, just knowing the nature of juveniles,” Chambers said.
The first batch of nude pictures came to the attention of school authorities March 1, but those were passed along with the students’ consent.
The teens could have faced Class 4 felony charges that carry a minimum punishment of two years of confinement or a $2,000 fine.
Authorities said the children were too young to face criminal charges.
“We just weigh the ages of the students, and I don’t feel comfortable filing felony charges against a 13-year-old kid,” said Castle Rock police Capt. John Anderson.
But the actions can have long-term consequences.
“Children can take a picture now and run for office in 20 years,” Chambers said. “What they may have seen as innocent fun is not going to be used for innocent fun later on.”
Although authorities did not press charges, the school took appropriate action against the students, said Whei Wong, director of communications for the Douglas County School District.
Wong declined to discuss what specific actions were taken.
In response to the incident, the Douglas County sheriff will discuss Internet safety with parents April 16 at Cresthill Middle School in Highlands Ranch.
