First Man Charged Under Virginia Revenge Porn Law

Brandon Alexander Oliver, 21, of Henrico, is reportedly the first to be charged under Virginia’s 15-day-old law designed to fight “revenge porn,” WTVR reports. On July 1, Virginia became the 11th state in the nation to enact such a law.

Oliver was charged with unlawful distribution of a photograph and vandalism, both misdemeanors. A nude photograph of Oliver’s ex-girlfriend appeared on Facebook July 10, according to police officials. If convicted, Oliver faces up to 24 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. He is currently out on bond.

Oliver was also issued a property damage charge less than two months ago at the 1500 block of Oakland Chase Parkway in Henrico, WTVR reports.

Bills criminalizing “revenge porn” have been introduced or are pending in at least 27 states this year as of June 23. Legislation has been enacted in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Governor Terry McAuliffe signed a bill effective July 1 making it a class 1 misdemeanor to post sexually explicit pictures online with the intent of harassing another person. Those found guilty face up to two years in prison and a $500 fine.