Gurnee police: 4th teen investigated in sexting case
Gurnee police say a fourth suspect is under investigation in connection with sexting and cyberbullying of a female Warren Township High School pupil.
Police Cmdr. Willie Meyer said a girl who is a freshman at Grayslake Central High School turned herself in to authorities Friday morning, accompanied by her parents and an attorney. Meyer said the girl was released to her parents after she was processed at Gurnee police headquarters.
On Thursday, authorities announced three freshman boys from Warren's O'Plaine Road campus in Gurnee are being investigated for their roles in the cyberbullying and sexting. Charges against the Grayslake Central girl and the three Warren boys, all juveniles, have been referred for one count each of distribution of child pornography, a felony, Meyer said.
The three boys also were released to their parents' supervision, according to Gurnee police.
Police said the victim is a freshman at Warren's O'Plaine Road building. Meyer said he could not provide specifics about the case.
Authorities issued a reminder that children should report any explicit photos they receive to a trusted adult and preserve them for law enforcement. Forwarding an illicit image is a crime, Meyer said.
A fifth person is expected to be referred to juvenile court for charges in the case, Meyer said.