MINNEAPOLIS — A teacher with over 20 years of employment at New Ulm Public School was indicted for allegedly using using a messaging app to distribute and receive child pornography.

According to court documents, between Oct. 14, 2023 and Jan. 29, 2024, Daniel John Janke, 54, used Kik, a messaging and chat application, to send and receive images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

Janke has been indicted on one count of one count of distribution of child pornography and three counts of receipt of child pornography. Janke made his first court appearance in U.S. District Court on Aug. 29 before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case.

New Ulm Public Schools Supt. Sean Koster confirmed Janke was a public school employee until April 23 this year. In April, the school was informed by the FBI of the pending charges against Janke.

Immediately after learning of charges, the school began an internal investigation to make sure no students or other staff were involved with this case. Koster said a top priority was the safety of student. He was able to confirm none of the current charges against Janke are related to any New Ulm families.

The school district continues to fully cooperate with the FBI and the investigation is ongoing.