Sexting case highlights quandary over child porn laws

FAYETTEVILLE -- The case of two North Carolina teenagers who were criminally charged for exchanging nude selfies illustrates the legal quandary many states face when they prosecute sexting.

Like most states, North Carolina has yet to update child pornography laws used to charge minors who are caught sexting and the laws can carry stiff penalties including prison time.

The North Carolina case began when nude photos were found on the boy's phone in late 2014. It led to a year of uncertainty for the teens, who are now 17, until they struck deals in recent weeks to reduce the charges and give them a pathway to clearing their records.

Report a Typo