Tyler police investigating Snapchat accounts threatening to share lewd photos of high school students

Published 1:05 pm Monday, January 14, 2019

The Tyler Police Department is investigating a Snapchat account threatening to spread lewd photos of Tyler area high school students.

Over the weekend parents took to social media after being made aware of the account. Posts from parents indicate students from Cumberland Academy, Whitehouse ISD and Tyler ISD are being targeted. Several accounts using “exposed” or “exposing” in the name have popped up.

The account in question made a post stating that if more than 80 people followed them, they would begin sending out the photos.

On Monday Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Don Martin said the department is working the case.

“(The) best rule of thumb is to not take a photo of yourself or have one taken that depicts nudity and of a person that is younger than 18 years old,” Martin said.

Martin also referred to Texas Penal Codes regarding electronic transmission of visual material depicting minor and possession or promotion of child pornography.

A Whitehouse ISD spokesperson said they could not comment on ongoing investigations. 

Tyler ISD said parents can always contact the campus or Tyler ISD police with concerns, but that Tyler PD is handling the investigation.

If parents believe their child is at risk, they should contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1090.

TWITTER: @TMT_Cory