20 students charged in sexting scandal

The prosecutor's office in Cape May announced invasion of privacy charges against 19 juveniles and one adult, on Tuesday. The adult is an 18-year-old student.

The charge is a third-degree crime that can result in as many as five years in state prison for adults and two years in a training school for juveniles.

Officials at the Lower Cape May Regional High School and the Richard M. Teitelman Middle School learned of the sexting in April when a young female student reported that photos of her friend, who appeared naked, were being texted to male students.

It is not clear how the students obtained the photos.

The prosecutor's office said in a statement:

"The prevalence of 'sexting' among our High School and Middle School children is concerning. It is imperative that these students understand the severity of their actions and the impact that their actions have on themselves, their victims, and the community."

At least 20 states have passed legislation to address sexting between minors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some of the bills make it illegal to exchange explicit images.