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Proposed Legislation Would Make "Sexting" a Felony Offense
Sexting among minors is a growing problem, especially when they can be charged with a sex offense.

Taking and sending nude pictures of a minor with a cell phone is considered child pornography by law.

Currently, the criminal code makes no distinction between adults and minors accused of child pornography. State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville), however, thinks there should be different levels of punishment. She is sponsoring HB 4583 that would the charge for minors from felony to a misdemeanor.

Juvenile Investigator with the Naperville Police Department, Rich Wistocki, agrees. He says teenagers don't realize the danger of sexting and should not be labeled as sex offenders. Wistocki supports the idea of station adjustments in which minors agree to supervision, community service, and curfews instead of a criminal case going directly to court.

(Illinois Radio Network)
02 19 10 by Newsroom
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