Novato police allege teen distributed obscene images online

Novato police arrested a teenager who allegedly distributed illicit images online involving other young people.

A school resource officer began investigating the matter after being notified by Novato Unified School District employees who were concerned about the social media posts.

“The anonymous account holder posted comments and images intended to intimidate others and provoke gang violence,” Novato police said. “The account owner also offered embarrassing and illicit images of Marin County teenagers to anyone who requested them.”

Sgt. Alan Bates said the material was intended to be shared online privately, but was distributed to public social media accounts.

Investigators identified a San Rafael resident as a suspect. The youth was booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of possessing or distributing illegal images, attempting to destroy evidence and obstructing a police officer.