WINONA, Minn. — Investigators were tipped last week that a prominent local tennis figure, Tom Sanvik, might be involved with sexually explicit child materials, police confirmed. Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Mueller described the lead as a “cybertip.” Mueller offered these details to news reporters at the daily police briefing:
> Based in the week of investigation, a search warrant was signed by a judge to search the family home in the 1500 block of West King Street.
> Police went to the address Thursday morning, confronted Sanvik with the warrant, and confiscated electronic devices.
> Without an arrest warrant, officers didn’t take Sanvik into custody but asked him to report voluntarily later in the day for some questions
> As requested, Sanvik went to the police station and admitted to dubious content on the devices that officers had seized at his home.
> He was booked 3:52 p.m. and spent the night in jail pending a morning court appearance.
Sanvik. Winona State women’s varsity tennis the past six seasons.
Verbatim
No one went on the record about the Sanvik arrest, but the university released this unsigned statement: “Tom Sanvik, an adjunct faculty member, whose duties included coaching the women’s tennis program, has been placed on leave. The health and safety of our students and student-athletes is our highest priority. We are working with athletics leadership to ensure the members of the women’s tennis team feel supported throughout this time. Winona State is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe learning and working environment for all. We encourage anyone with concerns to connect with the university through its confidential support and reporting resources.”