Austin Educator Facing Child Pornography Charges

Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Para-Educator for Austin Public Schools is facing charges related to the possession and dissemination of child pornography. 

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31-year-old Vincent Askelson was arraigned on the felony charges in Mower County Court last week. The criminal complaint says on August 8 the Austin Police Department was notified of 19 files containing suspected child pornography being uploaded to Snapchat. 

Authorities traced the upload to a phone that investigators determined belonged to Askelson. Authorities seized a laptop, tablet, and two cell phones during a search of his residence on October 18, according to the criminal complaint. 

Police sent the devices to the Minnesota BCA for further examination. Askelson admitted to viewing child pornography while speaking with investigators, the charges say. 

In a letter to parents and guardians Austin Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joey Page says the district is aware of the charges against Askelson and said there’s no information to indicate that students in the district were involved. 

Askelson worked at Ellis Middle School and has been placed on leave. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 31, 2023.