Fremont officer pleads not guilty

Donnale Williams claims he did not improperly access law enforcement database

12/17/2013

FREMONT — A Fremont police patrolman has pleaded not guilty to a charge of unauthorized use of a law enforcement database system.

Donnale Williams, 40, of Toledo was arraigned Friday in Sandusky County Common Pleas Court after an indictment charging him with improperly accessing a law enforcement database was filed last month.

Mr. Williams was hired by the Fremont Police Department in 2005. The department started an administrative investigation after officials became aware of the alleged activity, and then a separate criminal probe was launched, said Capt. Jim White. Mr. Williams was placed on paid leave Nov. 13, and then switched to unpaid leave Nov. 26 following the indictment, Captain White said.

The patrolman will remain on unpaid leave until the resolution of the case, said Captain White, who would not discuss details of the case.

Dominic Vitantonio, a Cleveland attorney who according to court documents represents Mr. Williams, could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Williams was released on his own recognizance, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin April 17.

— Vanessa McCray