In August, when the details of the child porn allegations against Minnesota State head football coach Todd Hoffner first emerged, they seemed particularly disturbing: Hoffner, 46, allegedly had videos on his school-issued phone of his own three children, all under the age of 10, dancing naked and touching themselves. The Division II coach was charged with using minors in a sexual performance and possession of child pornography, both felonies.
But according to documents recently released by Hoffner's attorney, the local human services agency found no evidence of any abuse or maltreatment. In addition, the agency said child protective services would not even need to conduct its own investigation. Previously, investigators had found no child pornography when they searched Hoffner's home computer and other devices.
Here's the Mankato Free Press, referring to Hoffner's wife, Melodee:
Melodee Hoffner said the videos were not sexual and simply showed innocent family fun.
"The charges against my husband are ridiculous and baseless," she said during an Aug. 27 press conference. "My family does what every family does—we take videos and pictures of our kids in all their craziness. My husband would not ever abuse our children or any other child."
Prosecutors have declined to comment. Hoffner's lawyers have filed a motion for the second time to ask that the charges be dropped. Hoffner remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.