A retired United South Central educator charged after he was reportedly found with at least 500 images and videos of child pornography last March was placed on probation for five years Wednesday in Faribault County District Court.

John Marvin Degner, 67, of Mankato was sentenced after he pleaded guilty in December to two counts of possessing child pornography. On each count, Degner was sentenced to five years of probation and 30 days in jail. On each count, he was given credit for four days served. The sentences will run concurrently.

Court documents state Degner was charged after the Wells Police Department and Faribault County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Internet Crimes Against Children Unit with an investigation March 10.

An IP address was linked to Degner’s email and phone number.

Court documents state law enforcement conducted a search warrant of Degner’s home that day. Degner reportedly admitted that a flash drive found in his bedroom contained a combination of at least 500 videos and images of child pornography.

Court documents state a preliminary search of Degner’s laptop found images of child pornography involving boys ages 7 to 14.

Degner was a longtime USC educator and retired as technology director in spring 2016.

Degner was charged with five additional counts of possessing child pornography and two counts of disseminating child pornography, but those charges were dismissed at sentencing.