When a Police Officer Posts Your Nude Images—Can You Sue?
In a recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, a man named Jahiem Pedrow tried to sue a police officer and a town under the federal revenge porn law, 15 U.S.C. § 6851, after nude images of him were allegedly posted online without his consent. Read the opinion here.
The facts were disturbing: Pedrow became intoxicated in public, partially undressed, and was allegedly recorded by a traffic camera. He claimed that Officer W. Barbour accessed the footage and then posted it online, causing “cyberbullying” and mental anguish.
Pedrow tried to hold both the officer and the Town of Greenburgh responsible in federal court—but the court dismissed the claims against the town.
Here’s what this case means for anyone thinking about filing a federal revenge porn lawsuit.
💡 You Can Sue Under Federal Law
Thanks to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022, victims of nonconsensual pornography now have a powerful tool:
15 U.S.C. § 6851 gives you the right to sue someone who posts or shares intimate images of you without your consent.
In Pedrow, the court acknowledged this right—even though Pedrow was a man, and even though he was not in a traditional domestic violence situation. The law protects anyone, regardless of gender or relationship status.
❌ But You Must Name the Right Defendant
The court did not dismiss Pedrow’s claims against Officer Barbour, the person who allegedly posted the images. But it did dismiss the claims against the town, because Pedrow didn’t show that the town itself had a policy or custom that led to the disclosure.
This is a critical lesson:
To sue a government agency or employer, you must show they were involved, not just that one of their employees acted badly.
🧾 Pro Tip: Be Specific in Your Lawsuit
The Pedrow case was filed pro se—meaning he represented himself. As a result, the court gave him a chance to fix his mistakes and file an amended complaint. But most victims don’t get more than one shot.
If you’re filing a federal revenge porn lawsuit, make sure you:
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Name the right defendants
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Explain who posted the images
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Say how they knew you didn’t consent
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Show how they used the internet or interstate commerce
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Describe the harm you suffered
That’s where our team can help.
💬 Have You Been a Victim? You’re Not Alone.
Cases like Pedrow show just how complicated—and important—these lawsuits can be. But they also show that federal law is on your side.
If someone has shared your private images without your consent, you have rights. Whether it’s an ex, a stalker, a coworker, or even a government employee—you don’t have to suffer in silence.
We help victims across the country understand their options, assert their rights, and fight back using federal and state revenge porn laws.
⚖️ Let Us Help You Take the Next Step
Visit RevengePornVictims.com to:
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Learn more about your rights under federal law
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See if you have a claim under 15 U.S.C. § 6851
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Connect with an attorney who understands what you’re going through
You are not powerless. You are not alone. And with the right help—you can take your power back.
