Pinelands Middle School student accused of sharing explicit video of classmate
A Pinelands Regional Junior High School student is facing child porn charges for allegedly posting an “explicit video” of a 12-year-old female classmate on social media that has been shared by others on social media.
Superintendent of Schools, Melissa McCooley, said in a letter to parents that sharing the image means it is classified as child pornography and those who re-post it could also face criminal charges.
The student who posted the video has already been charged by Little Egg Harbor Township Police.
Superintendent McCooley said she is planning on working with the Ocean County Prosecutors Office in response to the incident.
A request for comment on the investigation by WOBM News to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and Little Egg Harbor Police have not yet been returned.
Here is the letter from Superintendent McCooley to parents:
Dear Families,
Unfortunately, there was a situation today in which a junior high student was charged by the LEHPD because he chose to post an explicit video of a female classmate on social media. I am seeking your assistance to speak with your children due to the fact that multiple students have elected to repost this video. Please understand that the student depicted in the video is 12 years old, therefore, this is classified as child pornography. Those reposting a video such as this could be subject to criminal charges as well.
It is evident that students need additional education regarding the ramifications of sending inappropriate messages/videos and social media. I will be reaching out to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office for assistance with this matter. Please speak to your children as well.
Thank you for your support,
Melissa McCooley, Superintendent
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