Deputy is convicted of menacing

10/28/2005

A Lucas County sheriff's deputy was found guilty Wednesday in Maumee Municipal Court of menacing and disorderly conduct, and could get up to 30 days in jail, authorities said.

Kelly J. Kriner, 41, was charged after an Oct. 14, 2004, incident. His next-door neighbor on Winghaven Road, Nina Wenzel, told police he threatened to arrest her if she looked at his children, and told her he would put a gun in her face, according to Maumee police records. Mr. Kriner and Nina's mother, Patricia, told police the families had past disputes.

Judge Mark Reddin of Bowling Green Municipal Court found Mr. Kriner guilty on both charges. Maumee Municipal Court Judge Gary Byers recused himself from the case.

A member of the department since 1988, Mr. Kriner works in training and booking. Jon Rogers, director of internal affairs for the sheriff's office, said there had been no internal investigation since the charges were filed in January; such action is taken after a guilty verdict in a criminal case. He said disciplinary measures are up to the sheriff.

Mr. Kriner is to be sentenced later this fall. He could receive up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for the menacing conviction, and up to a $150 fine for the disorderly conduct conviction.