NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) – Authorities say criminal charges have been filed against a local student after an investigation revealed an “alarming” image that was transmitted via the social media app Snapchat earlier this month.
“I would like to take this opportunity to update the district and community regarding the Snapchat incident that took place on March 3, 2019,” Redbank Valley Superintendent John Mastillo posted to the district’s Facebook Page Tuesday morning. “Due to the age of the student involved, information will again be limited. As a result of the investigation that was conducted, criminal charges will be filed on one person involved. The New Bethlehem Police Department provided a high level of involvement and support in this matter.”
“Due to confidentiality, there’s not a lot of information we can put out,” Mastillo told exploreClarion.com. “If there was more information I could release, I would.”
According to Chief Robert Malnofsky of the New Bethlehem Borough Police Department, the case was referred to the Clarion County District Attorney’s office, where it was reviewed and a recommendation was made on what charges to file. The New Bethlehem Borough Police Department then filed the recommended charges.
“Now it is in the hands of the appropriate agencies to do what needs to be done,” Chief Malnofsky said.
The photo which started the uproar, previously referenced only as an “inappropriate photo,” was described as “alarming” to those who came across it.
“There was no nudity. It’s not that type of case, but it did deal with a photo that was alarming,” Chief Malnofsky said.
“With this day and age, the school, along with law enforcement, have to take every precaution to ensure the safety of the students that we take the oath to protect.”
According to Chief Malnofsky, the school worked with the New Bethlehem Borough Police Department and Clarion-based State Police to ensure the appropriate steps were taken.
“I assure the public future cases like this will always be handled appropriately, swiftly, and to the best of our ability.”
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