June 5, 2023 at 12:04 p.m.
Arraignment scheduled for former teacher accused of possessing child pornography
By Trevor Greene-
The MHLT school board accepted Lucas Aschbrenner's letter of resignation on March 9, after the 45-year-old's laptop was recovered and he was taken into custody at his home March 2.
A preliminary hearing and motion hearing in the case were held May 24.
Prior to the preliminary hearing, Vilas County circuit court judge Martha Milanowski denied a motion to dismiss filed by Aschbrenner's attorney, Albert Moustakis, based on lack of probable cause.
Milanowski found there is sufficient probable cause to support the criminal complaint filed March 6.
During the preliminary hearing, Vilas County district attorney Karl Hayes indicated the state is not treating this as a "victim case" at this time.
Court records show that after Vilas County detective sergeant Shyla Belzer testified and was cross-examined, Milanowski scheduled the arraignment for June 21 at 1:30 p.m.
After Aschbrenner's arrest in March, the Wisconsin Department of Justice issued a press release reporting that law enforcement obtained a search warrant based on the result of a child sexual abuse material cyber tip originating from Aschbrenner's home.
According to the criminal complaint, a forensic analysis of Aschbrenner's laptop showed up to eight explicit internet searches related to child pornography and pedophilia, as well as several downloaded images from books depicting nude children.
The complaint states the forensic analysis also identified Aschbrenner's laptop to contain software used to remove and delete digital files and browsing history from hard drives.
Aschbrenner, who is free on a $25,000 cash bond, is not allowed to access the internet, may not leave Vilas or Oneida counties and is to have no contact with minors.
If convicted, he could face maximum penalties not to exceed $100,000 in fines or imprisonment of up to 25 years, or both.
Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].
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