DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — An 18-year-old was sentenced Monday to 10 days in jail for sexting, after he admitted to receiving and sharing pornographic images of an underage girl from Piscataquis Community High School.
Keenan Larry of Abbot was arrested April 13, 2105, on charges of felony sexual exploitation of a minor, felony dissemination of sexually explicit material and misdemeanor possession of sexually explicit materials after he “solicited a fellow student to make a video of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct” and then showed the video to other students, District Attorney R. Christopher Almy said.
“The 18-year-old solicited the videos from the victim,” who was a 13-year-old middle school student, Almy said Monday. “Later he got upset at her and started showing them around the school lunchroom.”
She was punished through the juvenile process, the district attorney said. Her name was not disclosed because she is a juvenile and is the victim in this crime.
Larry later pleaded guilty to Class D possession of sexually explicit materials.
He was taken directly to Piscataquis County Jail after his Monday morning sentencing, a jail official said.
Larry also must register for the Maine Sex Offender Registry for 10 years, Almy said, adding he thought it was a fair sentence.
“I hope other young people will realize the consequences of unlawful sexting,” he said in an email.
The girl made the video for Larry and then sent it as a text message to his cellphone, according to Almy. Larry was released on $1,000 bail the day after his arrest.
The sharing of nude images by cellphone or other electronic device, known as “sexting,” is legal for consenting adults. However, those who possess or distribute nude images of minors in Maine are breaking the law.
To reach a sexual assault advocate, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Line at 800-871-7741, TTY 888-458-5599. This free and confidential 24-hour service is accessible from anywhere in Maine. Calls are automatically routed to the closest sexual violence service provider.