Photo of a man texting. (QMI Agency/MIKE HENSEN)

TORONTO - An Oshawa, Ont., man has been charged for allegedly distributing nude photos electronically of an ex-girlfriend in an apparent attempt to exact revenge for their break-up.

Durham Regional Police claim the 46-year-old man sent several "nude and pornographic" images of his former lover to her family, friends and even co-workers.

"The victim had sent these pictures from her cellular phone to the male suspect in early 2010 during a 'sexting' exchange while they were dating," police alleged Wednesday. "Upon the dissolve of their relationship in 2012, the suspect knowingly distributed these images of the victim, causing her ridicule and embarrassment."

The compromising photos were sent in September via e-mails and text messages.

"After a brief delay," the victim reported the allegations and earlier this month investigators arrested the accused, police said.

The man is charged with defamatory libel.

His name was not released in order to protect the identity of the victim.

The sexting investigation should serve as an example to others that "this type of unwanted activity" may be criminal and can result in charges, police warned.

Police also advise people to protect themselves from similar embarrassment "by not participating in this risky activity via social media."

chris.doucette@sunmedia.ca