Colorado Nude Photos Scandal: Large Sexting Case At School Prompts Criminal Probe, Suspensions

Colorado police are investigating a nude-photo scandal involving at least 100 students of Canon City High School, authorities said Friday. The incident reportedly led to the suspension of an unspecified number of students.

The scandal in the small southern Colorado town of Canon City was discovered Monday, George Welsh, superintendent of the Canon City school system, said, according to the New York Times, adding that students at the high school had been circulating hundreds of explicit photographs, including images of “certainly over 100 different kids,” on their cell phones. The scandal prompted school officials to cancel their final football game of the season this weekend because a “large number” of players were involved.

"We will be attempting to identify the people and make our best determination if there have been any violations of the law," Canon City Police Chief Paul Schultz said, according to Reuters, adding that a phone containing several images has been seized.

Schultz also reportedly added that police are awaiting search warrants following which the images from the seized phone will be viewed.

The incident has left several parents outraged, while police and the district attorney’s office are working to determine whether to file child pornography charges -- including felony charges -- against those involved in the scandal.

Fremont County District Attorney Tom LeDoux reportedly said that after the probe is substantially completed in about 30 days, his office will decide whether any criminal charges will be filed.