APS paraprofessional arrested for possession, dissemination of child porn
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(ABC 6 News) – A paraprofessional with Austin Public Schools was arrested Thursday and charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography.
Vincent Vaughn Askelson, 31, had been under investigation since early August after Snapchat made an Internet Crimes Against Children report indicating that a user, alleged to be Askelson, had uploaded 19 files of suspected child pornography in June.
The report contained the phone number, address, and billing information for Askelson.
Austin police found that three of the suspected files did contain child pornography and executed a search warrant Oct. 18 for Askelson’s tablet, laptop, and two cell phones.
According to court documents, Askelson allegedly admitted to police that he had encountered child pornography on the “dark web” accidentally, but said he had not uploaded or downloaded any images or videos of child sex abuse.
Austin police reported that they found multiple files of apparent child pornography downloaded onto Askelson’s laptop.
Vincent Vaughn Askelson, 31, had been under investigation since early August after Snapchat made an Internet Crimes Against Children report indicating that a user, alleged to be Askelson, had uploaded 19 files of suspected child pornography in June.
Several of the electronics were sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for further investigation.
Askelson was arrested Thursday, Oct. 20 and arraigned in Mower County Court Friday, Oct. 21.
Askelson has posted bail and has since been released.
A jury trial is scheduled for April 10, 2023.
Superintendent Joey Page sent the following letter to parents and caregivers Thursday:
Dear Families/Caregivers:
Austin Public Schools is aware of pending criminal charges regarding Vincent Askelson, a para-educator at Ellis Middle School. The District is fully cooperating with law enforcement officials as they conduct their investigation and will continue to do so. There is no information that any Austin Public Schools students were involved; however, if you have any information that could be related to this case, please contact the Austin Police Department at 507-437-9400. Mr. Askelson is on leave from his position.
While there is little else we can share at this time, please know that the safety and security of our students are our top priority. If you or your child needs extra support, please know that our social workers and school counselors are always available.
Thank you for your attention to this important communication.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joey Page
Superintendent, Austin Public Schools