FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED IN UNDERAGE OBSCENITY CASE

A former Kenton police officer and nationally recognized marksman was sentenced Friday to 5 years of community control and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine following a series of incidents involving 2 minors.

Robert Vogel, 44, appeared in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court after pleading guilty to felony counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and disrupting public services.

The charges stem from an investigation into events that occurred Feb. 27, 2025, at Vogel’s residence in St. Marys. According to the Auglaize County Prosecutor’s Office, Vogel was at his home with 2 females, ages 16 and 17.

Authorities determined Vogel engaged in sexual intercourse with the 17-year-old and recorded a video of the encounter. Prosecutors also alleged Vogel provided alcohol to both minors. During the evening, the 16-year-old reportedly became involved in an altercation, and Vogel briefly confiscated her cell phone in an attempt to prevent her from contacting law enforcement.

Vogel was initially indicted on more serious charges, including second-degree felony counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and misdemeanor counts of furnishing alcohol. As part of a negotiated plea agreement, the charges were reduced to fourth-degree felonies.

Prosecutors stated Vogel acknowledged providing alcohol to the minors but maintained throughout the proceedings that he believed the 17-year-old was 19 at the time of the incident.

In addition to the 5-year term of community control and the fine, Judge Fred Pepple imposed strict conditions as part of the sentence.

Vogel was classified as a Tier 2 sex offender. Under Ohio law, he is required to register his address with local authorities every 180 days for a period of 25 years and is prohibited from having contact with any females under the age of 21 whom he does not already know.