Jasper Police Department: Juveniles sharing inappropriate images could face serious charges
The Jasper Police Department has noticed an increase in cases involving Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) being shared among juveniles.
According to Jasper Detective Greg Brescher, recent investigations have resulted in three juveniles facing charges for crimes related to this type of material.
Therefore, he wants parents and juveniles to know sending nude photographs of, or to, anyone under the age of 18 is against the law, even if you send a photo of yourself to someone you know (i.e. a dating teenage couple sharing photos with each other would be in violation of the law).
“There are implications to what is being shared,” Brescher warned. “If these pictures are being sent to everybody in the school, and you’re the one doing that, we’re gonna end up charging you with a crime. And it could mean some long term effects for you if if that’s the way the court rules.”
Brescher sent out a notice to the public regarding child sex abuse material because he wants parents and children to understand the impact possessing or sharing this type of material can have.
Perpetrators possessing or passing along this type of material could face several criminal charges including possession of child pornography, dissemination of harmful matter, and child exploitation. For these types of charges an adult could be facing a long jail sentence. Juveniles are a different matter since they are referred to juvenile court which has different adjudication procedures. However, some of these charges could have a long term impact. For example, an individual found guilty could be required to register as a sex offender.
Also, with the longevity, the anonymity and the ease of dissemination, some juveniles could find themselves victims of these crimes. Brescher said they have had cases in which juveniles are sharing these images with people online that are not in the area. Though these people may portay themselves as being another juvenile, behind a computer or phone screen in another state, the reality could be much different and a juvenile being solicited for images would never know.
Once those images are in this person’s possession, they may sell them or have them available for others to view, Brescher said.
“It’s child pornography and, unfortunately, there’s a market for it,” he added.
Additionally, he explained that photos or messages sent via social media or on digital devices are typically recoverable no matter how much time has elapsed and could be used as evidence during an investigation.
“So if you have something and then delete it from your phone, we can still search that phone and recover it,” Brescher explained.
The Jasper Police Department takes each case it receives seriously,” he said. adding they are committed to ensuring the safety of our youth and will investigate all criminal acts appropriately.
Anyone with knowledge of any type of abuse involving children is asked to contact Jasper Police Department at 812-482-4255 or the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800-800-5556 immediately
