5 local high school students charged in sexting case

State Police in Butler have charged five Karns City High School students in what they’re calling a sexting case.

The students range in age from 12 to 15.

According to the police report, two of the female students who are 12 and 14 years old allegedly sent nude pictures of themselves to two other male teenage students.

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Those boys then sent the pictures to another student who district officials believe continued to share them.

Karns City School District officials told Channel 11 one of the female students who initially sent out the photos of herself notified the district about what happened which resulted in police getting involved.

"We're doing our best to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students that may be involved," said Karns City Area Superintendent Eric Ritzert.

All five of the students, including the two females who sent out the pictures, are being charged with transmission of sexually explicit images by a minor.

Ritzert told Channel 11 the district is fully cooperating with state police, and he hopes students learn a serious lesson about what they're sharing and doing on their cellphones.

He said these students are still in class and the district will wait for the outcome of the criminal case to determine further action.

"I think they're doing what they should do -- face the criminal charges. Maybe they'll learn a lesson," said Karns City School graduate Brianna Ford.

Cox Media Group