Det. Franco: Sexting at Norton High a 'Widespread Problem'

Recent reports of sexting incidents at Norton High School prompted police and school officials to educate students and parents about this trend.

Norton Police Detective James Franco received a report of a sexting at the high school and, very early on in the investigation, determined this was a widespread problem at the school.  

“A decision was made to handle this as a teachable moment at the school rather than to charge a large number of students with associated felonies,” said Lieutenant Todd Jackson.

According to Jackson, any person who creates, distributes or possesses a sexually explicit image of a minor in Massachusetts is committing a crime and is subject to prosecution under the state’s child pornography laws. These associated laws are five to 20 year felonies and require registration as a sexual offender.

Franco worked with the school to create the program. They brought in Assistant District Attorney Casey Smith from the Special Victims Unit and along with Norton High School principal Megan Lafayette and together, they came up with a program for the students and a program for the parents, respectively. The students received their presentation Oct. 5th and parents on Oct. 17.  

The programs covered several topics including safety concerns with today’s technology, potential victimization as a result of this action,  as well as the legal severity of the action of sending nude or sexually explicit images. Students were advised to not get involved in this action and to immediately report any future incidents.  

“Feedback on both presentations has been positive and both programs appear to have been well received,” Jackson said.

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