Cops: Sexting case bigger than first thought

SWANSEA, Mass. (WPRI) -- "Swansea Police investigating reports of "sexting" by Joseph Case High School students say the probe is not near completion and potential charges could be serious. "

According to a news release issued Friday morning, the Police Department received a complaint about the situation several days ago, alleging that teenage students were sending sexually explicit photographs of themselves and sending them via text message or email to another person.

Lt. Gregory T. Ryan with the Swansea Police Department said if warranted, potential charges could include disseminating child pornography.

Police tell Eyewitness News that because of the nature of the alleged incidents and the fact that all the involved people are minors, investigators can't release much more information.  However, investigators have come to believe that "this issue is more widespread than learned on its initial report," according to the news release.

Parents were shocked to hear the news.

"I'm actually appalled," one mother told Eyewitness News. Another woman said, "You have to be kidding me!"

Swansea school administrators did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

Swansea Police investigators are being assisted by members of the Bristol County District Attorney's office and are in the opening phases of the investigation.