Fall River police make arrest in nude photo case

FALL RIVER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Fall River police arrested the 17-year-old who allegedly posted nude photos of minors on Facebook Thursday.

The city's mayor, William Flanagan, announced on Twitter that he was aware of the page that contained nude photos of minors, and reported it to Facebook.

"I want to commend the citizens who made me aware of a graphic and horrific Facebook page regarding children. This page had been reported," he wrote.

As of Thursday afternoon, the page had been removed from Facebook.

"They don't realize like the weight that's behind it, they don't really realize what they're doing. They're like oh yeah I'll send a picture and be a little naughty and look what happens," Natasha Costa, Fall River resident said.

Police were able to trace the origin of where the account was created and interviewed several witnesses, which allowed them to identify the suspect. After searching the suspect's apartment, police confiscated several electronic devices. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old male from Fall River was arrested on charges of dissemination of obscene material harmful to minors and possessing child pornography. He may also have to register as a sex offender.

"I am relieved the suspect is in custody and will be brought to justice. I commend the FRPD for their swift, competent, and thorough investigation. As mayor, I remind the community to monitor your children's social media use and keep our children safe from these terrible crimes," Flanagan said.

Chief of Police Daniel S. Racine said, "I am thoroughly pleased the suspect is in custody. There is no doubt his actions are reprehensible, deliberate, and criminal. I commend all of my officers and detectives for their determination to solve the case in expeditious fashion."

Cox Media Group