The parents of a 14-year-old girl who texted “suggestive” pictures of herself to a boy have filed a lawsuit against the Marion County Attorney’s office. The case stems from a “sexting” investigation earlier this year at Knoxville High School, where students were found to be circulating nude photos of other students. The parents who’ve filed suit say the two photos involving their daughter don’t show any nudity. ACLU of Iowa legal director Rita Bettis calls this a case of free speech and expression.
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According to the family, Marion County Attorney Ed Bull threatened the girl with sexual exploitation charges, but said she could avoid prosecution by signing an admission of guilt, attend classes on the danger of sexting, and complete community service. In the ACLU lawsuit, the girl is identified as Nancy Doe.
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Court documents show in one of the photographs, the girl is wearing a sports bra and shorts. In the other, she’s in shorts with her hair covering her breasts. Bettis said she believes Bull is “victim blaming.”
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Marion County Attorney Ed Bull has not responded to requests for comments on the case and lawsuit