Warren Township HS sexting case investigated

GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) -- A sexting investigation is underway at a north suburban high school, and three students may be charged.

Three freshman boys at Warren Township High School in Gurnee allegedly texted inappropriate photos of a fellow female student. Police say they're also investigating other kids.

"It's really disgusting to say that I'm not surprised. From all that you see on the news, I think it's really the parents' obligation to educate their kids," said Amy Bless, a Warren Township High School parent.

The alleged victim is a freshman girl at the high school's O'Plaine campus. Her family contacted police after they say sexually-explicit photos of her were texted by fellow students.

"I'm glad that something, that she came forward, it seems like, and it's being dealt with and investigated," said Jill Whitlock, a Warren Township High School parent.

Prosecutors are now considering child pornography charges against three freshman boys. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests expected.

"Once the picture's out there, it multiplies quickly. So I know there was a lot of interviews and follow-up we needed to do," said Cmdr. William Meyer, Gurnee Police Dept.

"Kids just don't, they don't come to the common sense and think that the police are going to get involved," said Chris Bless, a Warren Township High School student.

In a statement, school officials said: "...We want to remind all of our Warren students about the dangers of cyberbullying and sexting, and to urge any student who is ever involved, affected, or even aware of similar behavior to speak to any staff member that they trust."

The case is spurring conversations between parents and children.

"Kids will make mistakes. They may make the wrong choice, slip up once in a while. But this is pretty serious, and they really need to understand that," said Amy Bless.

Police declined to say how those inappropriate photos were obtained in the first place and how many students they were texted to. It's a crime to possess those images, not just distribute them, police said.