After Jerry Sandusky's sexual misdeeds came to light, the thought of child sexual abuse striking another college football team seemed almost unfathomable, but on Tuesday, Minnesota State coach Todd Hoffner was booked into Blue Earth County jail on suspicion of using underage people in a sexual performance and possession of child pornography.
Hoffner, 46, had originally been escorted off the Mavericks' practice field Friday and had been on paid administrative leave.
"The University is not aware of any allegations affecting university students or program participants," university spokesman Dan Benson said in the statement.
An investigation into the charges has begun by the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Department, but they did not disclose what has turned up or when they'll file formal charges.
"We began investigating yesterday," Blue Earth County Sheriff's Department Capt. Rich Murry told the Mankato Free Press. "Based on information from our initial investigation we executed a search warrant at his residence Monday morning."
According to Carol Stallkamp, Minnesota State Mankato data practices coordinator and assistant to MSU President Richard Davenport, two complaints have been filed against Hoffner since he arrived at the university in 2008 - one personnel complaint was closed with no disciplinary action and another complaint is pending.
Associate head coach/offensive coordinator Aaron Keen, who has been running the football program since last Friday, spoke briefly to the media and said he was shocked by the allegations against Hoffner, who has a wife and three children. He said he would address the team about the situation Wednesday morning.
"I don't think anybody ever really expects anything like this," he said.
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