Posted: 5/17/05
No plea entered for Gieser
Craig Gieser, 48, did not enter a plea in Third District Court on Monday morning, May 16 at a Rule 8 hearing.
The 26-year Caledonia Elementary School music teacher was charged on May 3 with possessing and distributing child pornography.
His attorney, Peter Ekstrand of Wabasha, asked in court on Monday that a Rule 8 hearing be held. Judge Robert Benson set it for July 20 at 10:30 a.m. in Caledonia. Attorneys will present any discovery regarding the case at the hearing.
Ekstrand said he has requested transcripts of conversations between Gieser and the undercover agent involved in the case.
Ekstrand will also receive a transcript of statements made by Gieser during the execution of a search warrant at his house. Houston County Attorney Rick Jackson said he would be provide it by the end of this week.
Gieser is free on $50,000 bond. Conditions of his release include no computer or internet usage, no contact with anyone under age 18, no going to places where there would be a congregation of people under age 18, including a library. If Gieser leaves Minnesota, he must sign a waiver of extradition.
An undercover detective in New Hampshire, posing as a 14-year-old boy in an internet chat room, allegedly attracted the attention of Gieser. According to the police report, Gieser asked the ìboyî for pictures, and the detective sent pictures of himself as a 14-year- old. One was a school photo, and the others were of him in sports uniforms.
Gieser was suspended from his job at Caledonia Elementary School by superintendent Michael Moriarty as soon as the charges were known. Moriarty was in the courtroom on Monday.
All computers to which Gieser had access were examined and nothing was found which would indicate that school equipment was compromised in any way.
Gieser is charged with dissemination of pornography involving a minor, punishable by seven years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine; and two counts of possession of child pornography, both punishable by five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com