Football Team Photograph Taken For High School Yearbook, Parents Horrified By Unexpected Capture
Note: This story is a re-publication of an incident that originally gained media attention in May 2016.
A high school student in Arizona faced multiple charges after school officials discovered he had exposed himself in a football team photo.
According to CBS News, Hunter Osborn, then 19 years old, was charged with 69 misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure and one felony count of furnishing harmful items to minors. The incident occurred during a team photo at Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Arizona.
Detective Steve Berry of the Mesa Police Department explained that the number of charges corresponded to the 69 students and 10 faculty members present in the photo. The ages of the students ranged from 15 to 18, and charges could be adjusted based on their decisions not to press charges.
“It is an ongoing investigation,” Berry said. “The number of charges may change depending on further developments.”
The team photo depicted Osborn among his football teammates, with two teammates strategically placed in front, creating space for Osborn to expose himself. Several students were unaware of the incident until adults brought it to their attention and controversy ensued.
“He made a mistake, but I don’t think he should face such severe charges for that,” said high school senior Zach Anthony.
The photo was published in the school’s yearbook and football program, distributed to 3,400 students, before the exposure was noticed.
Osborn reportedly exposed himself at the dare of a teammate.
According to the Atlantic, a Change.org petition called for dropping charges against Osborn, arguing that he wasn’t responsible for the yearbook’s publication.
“He didn’t choose the photo, design the page, or approve it. The responsible teacher should be held accountable,” the petition stated.
A neighbor of Osborn expressed hope that the incident wouldn’t have long-term consequences for him.
“I hope this doesn’t ruin his life or career,” the neighbor said. “He’s a good neighbor, responsible, and dedicated.”
The school district released a statement expressing dismay over the incident and promising disciplinary action based on the police investigation.
“The district is appalled by the behavior depicted in the photograph,” Mesa Public Schools stated. “Upon discovery, school administration promptly involved law enforcement and is fully cooperating with the investigation.”
Ultimately, all charges against Osborn were dropped after students and staff present during the photo shoot declined to press charges.
Sources: CBS News, The Atlantic / Photo Credits: Pixabay, KPHO via CBS News