Stewartville man faces child pornography charges; RPS found ‘no reports of misconduct’ by former diving coach

(ABC 6 News) – A Stewartville man faces child pornography charges after a months-long investigation by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Capt. Tim Parkin with the OCSO, deputies received an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) tip that allegedly led to Brett Maronde, a 50-year-old Stewartville man.

Deputies seized items from the 300 block of 23rd street NW, Stewartville, July 13, which the OCSO claims contained several hundred images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), or child porn.

Parkin said deputies identified many of the victims as children under age 14.

According to Parkin, the Olmsted County Attorney’s office approved three charges of possession of child pornography, and Maronde’s first court appearance will be scheduled soon.

More charges could follow if deputies uncover more images, Parkin added.

Maronde, a former Rochester Public Schools diving coach, resigned on Aug. 7, 2023, according to communications director Mamisoa Knutson — the same day the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office notified the school of the investigation.

“When RPS was made aware of the Sheriff’s Department’s investigation, we immediately directed that Mr. Maronde have no contact with RPS students and have no access to RPS property or facilities,” Knutson said. “Our review of internal District records has found no reports of misconduct by Mr. Maronde. RPS places the highest priority on the safety of all students and will continue to cooperate with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department on this matter as needed.”