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Captain Steve Chatterton of the Greece Police Department says investigators have authenticated the video with four Greece Middle School students, all seventh grade boys. "We received a ton of community outpour and outrage, but we have had some difficulties in the investigation," explains Chatterton. "In order to charge a 13 year old in family court, you have to rise to the level of a crime, a misdemanor or a felony. Harassment in New York is a violation. We're looking to determine if this rose to the level of a crime."
Chatterton says he's spoken with the four boys and their parents. "Not only have we spoken with them, they've been cooperative. They've come in voluntarily, not asked for counsel. They've taken responsibilities for their actions. As one father put it, his son is sitting back waiting his punishment," says Chatterton.
Chatterton says he spoke with Karen Klein about her options. He says Klein has decided she's happy with the case going through the school district. "At this time, she does not want to press criminal charges," says Chatterton, though he notes Klein can change her mind at anytime.
By Thursday morning, the video that was posted to YouTube had been viewed more than 1.5 million times. An online crowd-funding site raised more than $200,000 by midday Thursday to help send Klein on vacation.