A police investigation reveals students at multiple middle school campuses in Brentwood have been sending each other semi-nude photos, and that one young boy allegedly used the photos to blackmail a girl and force her to "engage in sexual acts on campus."
Brentwood police launched the investigation on Monday after students at Adams Middle School were caught exchanging inappropriate images. The investigation then spread to Bristow Middle School, Edna Hill Middle School, both in Brentwood, and Excelsior Middle School in Byron.
"We were surprised by the severity of the incidents that occurred and by the number that occurred," said Dana Eaton, Brentwood Union School District superintendent. "And while most of the exchanges seemed to take place at home at least at this point, it still found its way onto campus."
Lt. Doug Silva said police are working with the District Attorney to determine whether to file charges against the one boy who allegedly took the sexting photos to force the girl in engaging in sex acts. No further details on this allegation was released by police.
During the investigation, it was revealed that students, ranging in age 12 to 14, used their cell phones and other electronic devices to exchange images of themselves in "various stages of undress," police said.
School administrators said they have disciplined the students.
During this past year, Brentwood Detective Thompson and Officer McNerthney have been working with school administration in the Liberty Union High School District to educate parents and members of the community on cyber bullying, internet safety, cell phone use and the dangers of sexting. They are sending parents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for resources.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Thompson at the Brentwood Police Department at 925-778-2441 or 925-634-6911.
NBC Bay Area's Kimberly Tere contributed to this report.
