CHILD-PORN CASE Ex-police officer is sentenced

By IGNAZIO MESSINA

Blade staff writer

TOLEDO

A Lucas County Common Pleas judge imposed the harshest penalty possible Monday on a former Waterville Township police officer who admitted he was guilty of viewing pornographic images of children.

David Krego, 42, was sentenced to one year in prison and five years of post-release control.

He also must register as a “tier-one sex offender” for 15 years.

Krego’s attorney, Jerry Phillips, asked the judge for leniency.

“Unfortunately, his actions have brought great embarrassment upon himself and his family, and I think what’s really affected him the most is the effect it has had on his children,” Phillips said.

Judge Myron Duhar said he didn’t doubt the conviction has been an embarrassment but did not grant any leniency.

“Mr. Krego, I guess what disturbs me more than anything else is that you have children, and having children certainly that is responsibility of a parent to not only protect your children but to protect other children,” Judge Duhar said.

“The fact that you are a police officer increases that responsibility,” the judge said.

Krego’s wife cried, and two of his three children watched as he was sentenced.

Krego had pleaded guilty to one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, a fifth- degree felony.

Authorities said the investigation into Krego’s illegal computer activity was initiated by the township department after problems with the computer led to maintenance of the machine, during which technicians found pornographic images of minors.