Sudbury launches probe of sexting

Officers began investigating at Curtis Middle School on Monday and found that photographs of nudity and partial nudity were being passed around by students using cellphones and the Internet, Lieutenant Scott Nix said. No charges have been filed.

Police said several students were involved, but they would not elaborate on whether students were in the photos or on how many students received and sent the pictures.

Police hope they can use the incident to educate the youths.

“In addition to the potential criminal aspect of such behavior, we feel it more important to educate our youth as to the numerous other possible ramifications of this behavior that compromise the safety of our children,’’ police said in a statement. “Technological advances have surpassed our preparedness in educating children as to the dangers and negative effects such activities may promote.’’

School officials sent a letter to parents this week.

“The police were informed, and their investigation is focused but remains open,’’ school officials said in their letter. “If any parent has information about such behavior or possible involvement of other students in this type of behavior, you are urged to call Sudbury police.’’

The Middlesex district attorney’s office is assisting in the investigation.

A play on the word texting, which is short for cellphone text messaging, sexting is the capturing and sending of sexually explicit photos or videos via a cellphone. It has been a hot-button issue this year.

In January, a Pennsylvania court heard the first criminal case involving sexting in a US court. Police and prosecutors are investigating the practice among youths as child pornography.

Last week, officials in Belmont investigated a similar case at Chenery Middle School, where students allegedly used cellphones to circulate a photo of a nude adolescent girl.