Recently, there have been many news stories and warnings about using apps and the internet to meet people. One woman learned this lesson the hard way, and dealt with a lot of embarrassment and fear after sharing naked photos of herself through a phone app.
The woman found a connection through a social media app called KiK and felt she has a strong sexual connection from the moment they began talking, so she ended up sending some very revealing photos. The man she was talking to blackmailed her with the photos, saying if she didn’t send him more, he would post them all over the internet. Feeling she had no other choice, she contacted the police, who traced the texts and found the man responsible. He was arrested for what some are calling ‘sextortion.’ If this had occurred in Larimer County, the man would have faced charges for ‘Revenge Porn.’
Revenge Porn in Weld County
This law is still a relatively new idea and only 13 states have or are in the process of passing a “revenge porn” law. In Larimer, Boulder and Grand County, it is currently found under Colorado law C.R.S. 18-7-107, Posting a Private Image for Harassment. It’s definition is:
I. With the intent to harass the depicted person and inflict serious emotional distress upon the depicted person;
II. (A). Without the depicted person’s consent; or
(B). When the actor knew or should have known that the depicted person had a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private; and
III. The conduct results in serious emotional distress of the depicted person.
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Sentence for Revenge Porn in Fort Collins and Loveland
Posting a Private Image for Harassment is considered a class 1 misdemeanor in Fort Collins, Boulder and Estes Park. This level crime is punishable with 6 to 18 months in the Weld County Jail and up to $1,000 in court fines. On top of that, the court can impose up to $10,000 in fines for the victim compensation fund.
Something to note in the above case, the man never actually posted the pictures. He just threatened the actions. The District Attorney would have a tough case to prove the man actually committed the crime when he didn’t follow through and post the photos.