EDINA, Minn. – An Edina High School teacher is under criminal investigation over child pornography allegations.
Joel Nasset, a 49-year-old social studies teacher, has been with the district since 2003. According to the Star Tribune, Nasset started out at Valley View Middle School before moving to the high school in 2006. Nasset also coached the sophomore girls basketball team at the school.
School officials confirmed Nassat has been placed on paid administrative leave and will not be teaching or attending school functions during the course of the investigation. A statement issued by the school district says a substitute teacher who has worked for high school for the “past couple years” will take the Nasset’s place until the investigation is complete. Official decisions about the Nasset’s employment status will be made after the school district conducts its own internal investigation.
“We understand that any such news about a school district employee is unsettling,” the school district said in a statement. “We take all allegations against our staff seriously and remain committed to providing [a] safe, enriching learning environment for all students.”
School district spokeswoman Susan Brott told the Star Tribune they have “no knowledge” of Nasset abusing any students.
A Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Predatory Crimes Section investigator filed a search warrant application in Hennepin County on Tuesday, according to KSTP. According to the application, Nasset allegedly admits to “possessing and distributing child pornographic images and videos” through anonymous chat room services like Chatstep for “several years.”
According to the Star Tribune, the school district has turned over Nasset’s laptop which may have been used to access the online chat rooms.
Nasset has not been arrested and charges have not yet been filed.
