Melodee Hoffner, Attorney Jerry Maschka
MANKATO, Minn. - About halfway through reading her prepared statement to the media, Melodee Hoffner started to tear up.
Melodee, the wife of Minnesota State University Head Football Coach Todd Hoffner, addressed the two felony charges of child pornography that were filed against her husband.
"The charges against my husband are ridiculous and baseless. My family does what every family does. We take videos and pictures of our kids and all their craziness," Melodee Hoffner said.
Authorities executed a search warrant and say they found three videos on the coach's university-issued cell phone that were "pornographic" in nature.
"I assure you that our children are not abused or exploited. They are healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally," Melodee told the assembled media.
A representative with the County Attorney's office told KARE 11 the prosecutor assigned to this case would be unavailable for comment this week.
The University has put Hoffner on paid administrative leave as it conducts its own investigation.
Hoffner's team was still preparing for its first game of the season, scheduled for Thursday in North Dakota. "We've been in a bit of a vacuum because we've been in our camp and we start classes today," Acting Head Coach Aaron Keen said.
Keen will continue his offensive coordinator duties as he leads the Mavericks.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it (the investigation) brought them together. I think any adversity tends to do that," the coach said when asked more about his team's reaction.
Back at the Hoffner's attorney's office, Melodee and her lawyer continued to ask the general public not to rush to judgment.
"I hope someone with authority will take a new look at this and see it for what it is, which is innocent videos of typical kids being silly," she implored.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)