Hubbard man sentenced on rape and child porn charges | News, Sports, Jobs

WARREN — A 67-year-old Hubbard man was sentenced to 14 to 18 years in prison this morning on charges of rape and child pornography.

David Kerester accepted a plea agreement between the prosecution and his defense attorney, then elected to move forward to sentencing in the matter.

Part of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald J. Rice’s ruling will see that Kerester will have to register as tier 2 sex offender when he leaves prison.

The investigation into Kerester began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip. Local police also received assistance from special agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and deputies from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force

Hubbard police searched Kerester’s home in the 500 block of Elizabeth Street in August and turned up electronic and recording devices.

Police said they believed that Kerester was in possession of digital evidence, including pictures and videos depicting sexual assaults on children. They said Kerester himself is depicted in one of the files.

Shortly before midnight Aug. 10, Liberty police were alerted by automated speed cameras that the license plate of a fugitive had been detected.

Police found Kerester in a fast food parking lot on Belmont Avenue, the report states. He at first ignored commands to get out of the vehicle but eventually surrendered.

Police said Kerester was found with a newly purchased prepaid phone, another cellphone and a suitcase filled with clothing, checkbooks and a “large quantity” of prescription pills — all of which were confiscated by police. Two golf bags with clubs also were confiscated from the vehicle, the report states.

Given the personal items recovered and an admission by Kerester to police that he knew his home had been searched, police said they believed he was attempting to flee the area.

He was handed over to Hubbard police, then booked into the Trumbull County jail without chance for bond.