Holmen could make sexting as a minor an ordinance violation

The Village of Holmen is looking to make sexting as a minor an ordinance violation.

Minors who sext one another, technically, are distributing child pornography and in possession of child pornography, which normally leads to a felony charge.

Holmen Police Chief Shane Collins said it’s another avenue to deal with the situation.

“We’re looking at alternatives to be able to put a stop to it, and educate them, but it also doesn’t ruin the rest of their life over it,” Collins said.

Research by the village showed that several other communities have this on the books. The chief added that Holmen isn’t immune to this type of issue.

“We’ve come across it,” Collins said. “We recently had a situation where it was 10-12 people doing it. You have to get that message across that, this is serious. You could be charged with a felony.”

Collins said some cases don’t require a felony charged being brought but it’s currently the only option.

The item will come to the full village board next month.