Officer viewed nude minors

Ex-Waterville Twp. patrolman pleads guilty to felony

Former Waterville Township police officer David Krego enters Lucas County Common Pleas Court in Toledo.

With his head bowed while attempting to control his tears, a former Waterville Township police officer admitted in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Wednesday that he was guilty of viewing pornographic images of children.

"On Dec. 23, 2010, in Lucas County, Ohio, I did view material, one or more pictures, of minors who were not my children in a state of nudity," 42-year-old David Krego said.

Krego pleaded guilty to one count of illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, a fifth-degree felony. He faces up to one year in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender when sentenced April 16 by Judge Myron Duhart.

A patrolman with the department since 1996, Krego voluntarily resigned as part of the plea. According to Assistant County Prosecutor Rob Miller, Krego had submitted a resignation letter effective Monday.

Krego had most recently been assigned to routine patrol and traffic enforcement. In January, after Krego was indicted, he was relieved of duty but remained in the department.

Judge Duhart notified Krego that as a "tier-one sex offender," he would be required to register his address with the county sheriff once a year for the next 15 years.

Both Mr. Miller and Krego's attorney, Jerry Phillips, declined to comment after the plea hearing.

Authorities have said an investigation was initiated by the township department after problems with the computer led to maintenance of the machine, and in the process, they encountered pornographic images of minors.

According to township records, Krego received both accolades and reprimands during his time as a patrolman.

He had received several annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving awards for the most drunken-driver arrests and was the department's collapsible baton instructor.

In August, 2008, he faced internal charges of insubordination. A hearing was held by the trustees to consider the allegations, which included falling asleep while on duty and engaging in an unauthorized vehicle pursuit. According to the minutes of an Aug. 27, 2008, meeting, the trustees voted unanimously to clear the officer of all charges, giving him "a clean slate."

Through his attorney, Krego declined to comment.

Contact Erica Blake at: eblake@theblade.com or 419-213-2134