Correction: Not all of those arrested attend Jockey Hollow, but all are Monroe students of a middle to early high school age.
MONROE, CT — Police arrested three juveniles, who are from Monroe, Tuesday after two female middle school students alleged they posted nude and inappropriate photos of Monroe youths on an Instagram page with racially charged content and commentary.
In January of 2021, the Monroe Police Department received a complaint about the Instagram account posting nude and inappropriate photos of Monroe youths. The account holder also posted where the victims lived, police said.
The juvenile who filed the complaint said she and others were being harassed by this anonymous account holder. She complained that the account holder was using the platform to shame, ridicule, and bully local youths in addition to posting nude and semi-nude photos.
The account holder appeared to target specific individuals, police said.
Days later, a second Monroe youth came forward to report she was being targeted by this Instagram account. An anonymous complaint was also made to Jockey Hollow Middle School administrators about racially charged content on the Instagram account.
The matter was referred to the Monroe Police Department and it continues to be addressed through programming at Jockey Hollow, according to police.
The Monroe Detective Bureau investigated the case and was able to identify the Monroe juvenile who was operating the page and posting the content. In addition, two other Monroe juveniles were assisting the account holder by providing content such as photos and commentary, police said.
On May 14, 2021, one juvenile was issued a juvenile summons and charged with third-degree possession of child pornography, risk of injury to a minor, third-degree harassment and second-degree threatening.
On May 18, the other two juveniles were issued a juvenile summons charging both with third-degree harassment and third-degree conspiracy to commit harassment.
All three juveniles were released to their families on a promise to appear in juvenile court in Bridgeport at a later date.
The Monroe Police Department encourages parents to speak with their children about internet safety and monitor their online activity. For age appropriate internet safety tips, visit www.internetsafety101.org.
