The following is a release from the Bothell Police Department:

The Bothell Police Department was notified by the Northshore School District on May 29 of a sexting situation involving numerous junior high school students.

Detectives began their investigation immediately and it appears there are several boys who encouraged a number of girls throughout the school year to send nude photographs of themselves to the boys cell phones.

Detectives have confiscated at least eleven cell phones and are continuing to conduct additional interviews, identify suspects and victims, notify parents, and collect evidence. The case will ultimately be reviewed by the appropriate prosecutor’s office for review of potential criminal charges.

In Washington State, it is it illegal to, among other things, disseminate, possess and view pictures of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

“The Bothell Police Department strongly encourages parents to talk to their teens about safe internet, cell phone, and social media behavior,” wrote police Sgt. Ken Suberlich on the Bothell Police Department blog. “The National Crime Prevention Council offers some helpful resources and suggestions: www.ncpc.org.”