School Security Guard Charged With Sexting Teen Student

ROCHESTER (WWJ/AP) - A security guard at a metro Detroit high school has been charged after sexually explicit photos were texted to a 15-year-old female student.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said 23-year-old Benjamin Lawrence, of Fenton, was arraigned Thursday on one charge of distributing sexually explicit matter to children, a two-year felony. An additional charge of second degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15 year felony, is being authorized by the county's prosecutor's office, police said.

According to police, Lawrence used his cell phone to send the teen a photo of his genitals via text message.

"Whether it is a failed DC politician or a security guard, this behavior is disgusting and obviously, in this case, criminal," Sheriff Mike Bouchard said in a statement. "People are responsible for their actions and will be held accountable. If anyone else received similar things from this person, please contact us."

Lawrence, who has no prior criminal history, was employed by a security company which contracts with Rochester Community Schools. He was assigned to Stoney Creek High School in Rochester, where the student is enrolled.

Magistrate Nicholas Camargo ordered Lawrence to stay off school district property, to have no contact with the 15-year-old student and to have no unsupervised contact with any minor. He was released on a personal bond and is due back in court on Jan. 14 for a preliminary examination.

Investigators believe there might other victims and are asking anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at 248-858-4911.

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