Oberlin, Ohio
December 1999
Background: The mother of an 8-year-old girl is facing prosecution for “child pornography,” along with an investigation into charges of child abuse, because she took pictures of her daughter nude in the bath. To the best of our knowledge, there is no basis, other than the nude pictures (which a photography lab worker reported to the authorities) for either charge. The pictures are said to be quite innocuous. (The Nation, 12/13/99)
April 2000
Update: On April 4 the case against Cynthia Stewart was settled when she agreed to accept counseling and to the destruction of two photographs which could be interpreted as "sexually oriented." The settlement spared the family the agony of a criminal prosecution and subjecting their child to the witness stand. (The Nation, 5/1/00)