Sexting investigated at two Colorado Springs schools

Sexting is once again making headlines in southern Colorado.

Police are investigating sexting at two Colorado Springs schools.

Lt. Catherine Buckley confirmed that five students at Pine Creek High School and Challenger Middle School are involved. Buckley says the students shared a partially nude photo.

The investigation at District 20 began last Wednesday when a student told a school resource officer about the photo exchange.

Buckley said all of the students involved are juveniles. They could be facing possible felony sex offender charges, despite being under 18.

“I’m concerned. My daughter goes to the school. It’s scary and it’s sad that our society is in a place where the kids think it’s acceptable. I don’t think it should be ignored by the school,” said Carol Gaskill, a parent of a Pine Creek High School freshmen.

“They are all juveniles and the photograph is of a juvenile,” said Buckley.

Counselor Suzanne Simon told KRDO that she has many young patients who are sexting.

“I have had kids at 11-years-old talking about sexting. There are kids who come in here saying that they’re taking off their clothes and sending pictures to other children. If they get caught I think therapy would be better than juvenile detention or an 18-year-old getting jail time,” said Simon.

The Colorado Springs Police Department finished its part of this investigation, and now the case is being handed over to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether charges will be filed.

Academy School District 20 did not want to comment on the investigation.

Just last week, a bill aimed at lowering punishments for teens caught sexting failed by a single vote. The bill would have made the punishment a misdemeanor or petty charge, rather than a felony.