Judge grants defense access to videos in alleged child porn case

A Blue Earth County judge has ordered that prosecutors give a defense attorney access to videos that resulted in child pornography charges against Todd Hoffner, football coach at Minnesota State University Mankato.

Until now, Hoffner's attorney, Jim Fleming, could only review the videos at the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Department with a deputy present. Fleming says he needs copies of the three videos to prepare his client's defense.

"They probably saw this initially as smoke that would lead to more evidence. Well, there is nothing more. This is it," Fleming said. "And we're reaching out to them to reconsider their decision to proceed."

Last week, investigators said they found no potential evidence of child pornography in a search of materials taken from Hoffner's home.

Hoffner remains on paid leave from his coaching position at MSU. His next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31 when his attorney will request a motion to dismiss the case.

A criminal complaint alleges Hoffner used a university-issued cell phone to take pornographic videos of his three children, all under the age of 10. According to the complaint, the videos show the children dancing in the nude.

"When you view this material, it is something that is very evident that when you look at it in its context, you understand what it is," Fleming said. "And it is a bunch of children being silly who have asked their father to videotape this."

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