Caught Sexting? That'll Be $439 In Pewaukee

PEWAUKEE, WI — Authorities in Pewaukee say police officers have been dealing with more sexting cases than ever between students. Sexting is defined as one person sending explicit photos, videos or descriptions to another.

In response, village officials approved a new ordinance that will help law enforcement deal with the problem - without needing to treat the underage offenders as sex offenders by law.

According to a JSonline report, under the village ordinance, a person who distributes the photos or videos would be fined $439 for a first offense and $628 for a second offense.

"The reason why this ordinance is so important is because when two minors exchange photographs ... the state of Wisconsin views it as child pornography," Pewaukee Police Sgt. Nate Wright said in the report. "Which means the suspects in the case, both parties, will be considered sex offenders."