MiddletownJournal.com

LEBANON — A Warren County legislator wants to introduce a state law that would provide clearer guidance in how to handle teenagers who are caught "sexting" —sending nude pictures and videos over cell phones.

State Rep. Ronald Maag, R-Lebanon, announced today, March 26, he will soon introduce legislation that would make any teens caught sending or taking part in "sexting" a first-degree misdemeanor.

In March, two Mason juveniles — one boy and one girl —were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after an assistant principal inadvertently viewed a nude photo of a 15-year-old Mason girl on a cell phone. The phone had been confiscated from the boy because he was using it during class.

Maag said with the current law teens could be charged with a felony and forced to register as sex offenders, which he felt was an "extra burden" they didn't need.

"They did something stupid, but I don't think anyone wants for them to be called sex offenders," Maag said. "This legislation will give prosecutors direction in how to deal with the matter."

The legislation would apply only to teens under the age of 18, separate from similar adult offenses which carry felonious charges.

According to Maag, a recent study showed that one in five minors across the country has either sent or received these types of pictures and videos.

"I think what these teens need is education about how this type of behavior could affect their lives," Maag said. "This legislation does not affect the state's ability to try actual sex offenders. What it does is clarify the law regarding incidences such as these."

A 13-year-old Middletown boy is facing felony charges after a video of sexual activity involving a student at Vail Middle School was found on his cellular phone. The boy was charged with juvenile delinquency by way of pandering obscenity involving a minor. The boy is not necessarily involved with "sexting" because it is unclear if he transmitted the video to other phones.