Prosecutors say education instead of charges for students in sexting case

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RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) — Oneida County prosecutors have decided to educate, but not criminally charge Rhinelander students who shared explicit photos electronically.

The Rhinelander school district and Oneida County sheriff’s officials say the investigation into sexting on and off school premises has concluded. The students involved were given a 1-day suspension and those involved in athletics will serve appropriate game suspensions.

School administrators and investigators say the filing of any felony charges could be detrimental to the students’ future and would limit them in certain occupations. The School District and law enforcement, in conjunction with local social service agencies and churches, will hold an education forum for the students, grades 4 to 12, on Dec. 3. Wisconsin Department of Justice special agent Eric Szatkowski will give a presentation.

About three dozen students, ages 13 to 18, were under investigation for sharing photos.