Teenager faces10 years in jail for having photos of a minor - himself

A 17-year-old boy is facing 10 years in prison after
being charged as an adult for having sexually explicit
photos of a minor – that minor is himself. Cormega
Copening, from North Carolina, where the age of
criminal responsibility is 16, is facing two counts of
second-degree sexual exploitation and three counts
of third-degree exploitation.
The third-degree charges are of sexual exploitation
of a minor actually stem from the pictures Copening
had of himself.
Each count is a felony charge carrying at least two
years in jail.
"In North Carolina you are considered an adult at
16 years old as far as being charged," said Sgt.
Sean Swain of the Cumberland County Sheriff's
Department.
"But to disseminate and receive sexually explicit
texts, photos or videos, you must be over 18."
The Authorities said the sexting charges came about
when police took Copening's phone while
investigating another incident. Officers discovered
'sext' messages between Copening and his 16 year
old girlfriend.
Both teenagers were charged as adults for the sexual
exploitation of minors – themselves – for taking and
possessing naked photos.
His girlfriend took a plea deal on a misdemeanor
charge of 'disseminating harmful material to minors'.
District Court Judge Stephen Stokes sentenced her to
one year of probation without access to a phone, a
$200 fine, and a class on making smarter life
decisions.
If convicted, Copening's name would be added to sex
offenders registry. He has a Sept. 30 court
appearance.
The charges have resulted in the teenage quarterback
being dropped from his high school football team.




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Sent From AbleMoJah