Minnesota State Wire

John David Degelau, a 28-year-old former youth ski coach, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

Degelau created child pornography by digitally placing the faces of children he coached onto images of victims of child sexual abuse using photo editing software. According to court documents, law enforcement discovered more than 18,000 files of child pornography on his devices. The investigation also found that Degelau had taken photographs of children swimming at a beach without their knowledge from concealed locations.

“A ski coach who used photos of children he coached to create child pornography is now headed to federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Today alone, three child predators were sentenced in federal court for absolutely abhorrent conduct. This epidemic of abuse we are seeing in Minnesota is vile, it is devastating, and it must end.”

U.S. District Judge Jerry W. Blackwell presided over the sentencing and ordered Degelau to pay a special assessment exceeding $10,000 for programs supporting victims of child pornography offenses as well as restitution to the victims.

“John Degelau will spend the next several years behind bars, a sentence that demonstrates the serious consequences for adults who abuse their position of trust,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Degelau used his access to children for the most sinister purpose: his own sexual gratification. Children in our community should be safe in every location, including at the beach and on the ski hill, but especially in the company of a trusted adult. The FBI appreciates our partnership with the Duluth Police on this important investigation.”

The case was investigated by both the FBI and Duluth Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Green.