The Hollister Police Department identified and arrested a juvenile suspect associated with an Instagram account that posted nude photographs of an underage person and videos of juveniles fighting.
Hollister School Resource Officer Michael Paddy learned of the account in early February. The department made several attempts to contact Instagram Inc. but the company did not remove the content, close the account, or assist officers with the investigation.
As a result, the account holder continued to post violent videos and the account “gained notoriety” among juveniles attending local schools, according to a statement from the Hollister Police Department. At one point, the account had about 2,000 followers and 27 videos of juveniles fighting.
Due to the large amount of followers on the account, subjects began identifying involved parties by name, which caused bullying, according to a statement from the police.
Paddy was eventually able to identify the subject responsible for the account. The subject was a female juvenile who attended a local school and appeared to use the account to gain popularity.
With the collective efforts of Marguerite Maze Middle School, Rancho San Justo Middle School, San Benito High School, the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect responsible for the account was arrested.
The subject was charged with soliciting others to fight or use force likely to produce great bodily harm. Since the arrest of the subject, Hollister Police have been able to close the Instagram account.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Officer Paddy at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
