BUCYRUS—The failure of a routine drug screen resulted in a gruesome discovery by the Marion Police Department.

Christopher Sprague, 46, of Marion was placed on community control in 2018 after he pleaded guilty to felony non-support of a child.

Sprague appeared for a scheduled probation visit on Monday when he tested positive for methamphetamines. Sprague was taken into custody and held until his appearance Tuesday via video in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.

The Marion Police Department, after Sprague was taken into custody did a routine check of Sprague’s phone.

Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leüthold listened intently as Bohach explained what they had found.

According to testimony, Sprague’s phone was laden with sexually explicit material involving juveniles and even infants.

Bohach told the court that upon contact with Marion Detectives he learned that Sprague had been the focus of a year-long investigation. No charges in Marion have been filed as the investigation continues. “ This is the worst of the worst as child pornography goes,” Bohach said.

Judge Leüthold asked the state for a bond recommendation on the violation.

Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told the court that although the probation violation was for a failed drug test the evidence discovered couldn’t get much more serious. Hoovler asked for a $100,00.00 bond to protect the public from his continued drug use and his alleged conduct regarding the discovered phone activity.

Sprague’s attorney Neil Huggins asked the court to continue his personal recognizance bond. Huggins noted that Sprague’s record only shows two felony drug charges. He said his client works every day.

After listening to both the state and the defense Leüthold ruled on bond.

“While Mr. Sprague is here for a violation of his community control due to drug use, the evidence revealed on the phone and Mr. Bohach’s conversation with Marion Detectives, I’m more concerned with the child Pornography. I must consider the public’s safety and the combination of drugs and sexual misconduct tend to escalate in these situations. ” Leüthold said.

Leüthold revoked Sprague’s bond and ordered him held in the Crawford County Jail on a $250,000.00 bond.