Teen could face 10 years in jail for sending naked photos of himself

Cormega Copening and his girlfriend, Brianna Denson were charged as adults for sending 'sexually explicit' photos of themselves, when they were 16 to each other's cellphone. Photo / Facebook

A 17-year-old boy is facing 10 years in prison after being charged for having sexually explicit photos of a minor - himself.

The Atlanta Blackstar website reported that Cormega Copening, from North Carolina, is facing two charges of second-degree sexual exploitation and three of third-degree exploitation.

The third-degree charges of sexual exploitation of a minor stem from pictures Copening had of himself, the Blackstar reported. Each charge carries a punishment of at least two years in jail.

The bizarre situation was explained by Sergeant Sean Swain of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department.

"In North Carolina you are considered an adult at 16 years old as far as being charged," the Blackstar reported. "But to disseminate and receive sexually explicit texts, photos or videos, you must be over 18."

Charges were laid after police took Copening's phone while investigating another incident, the Blackstar said. Officers discovered 'sext' messages between Copening and his 16-year-old girlfriend.

Both teenagers were charged as adults for the sexual exploitation of minors - themselves - for taking and possessing naked photos.

His girlfriend pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of 'disseminating harmful material to minors' and was sentenced to one year of probation without access to a phone, a $200 fine, and a class on making smarter life decisions.

If convicted, Copening's name would be added to a sex offender register, the Blackstar reported.