Chesterton High School sexting incident investigated

CHESTERTON, Ind. (WLS) -- A new sexting investigation in underway Monday involving students at Chesterton High School in northwest Indiana.

Chesterton High School students have been talking about the incident for days, yet, it wasn't until Monday that school officials alerted parents about a sexting incident: a lewd photo was taken of two students at a party off campus, then sent through texts and social media.

"Someone snuck on in the room, ah, someone got on their phone the next morning and sent it off," said Jake Merryman, a Chesterton High School student.

Students say the picture was taken by a student that doesn't go to Chesterton High School. The indecent photo spread so fast, students say the female student in the photo is now being bullied at school.

"Now, since it's out there and just about everybody at school's seen it," said Zach Nelson, a student.

The Chesterton sexting incident follows a similar case last week in Gurnee, where four high school students may face felony charges for distributing child pornography. Parents say kids must understand sexting is serious.

"The authorities don't take these things lightly and they can really affect these children's future," said John Bridegroom, a Chesterton parent.

The Chesterton Police Department is investigating the incident. So far, no one has been charged, but it is illegal in Indiana to photograph or distribute images of someone younger than 18 engaged in sexual conduct.