AKRON, Ohio - An Akron police sergeant who had been on the force 21 years resigned Dec. 17 after an investigation revealed that he had used a state database for unofficial police work.

An internal and criminal investigation showed that Sgt. Gary Webb was using the Ohio Law Enforcement Automated Database System for his work as a private investigator for the Copley School District, according to a news release from the Akron Police Department.

The license plate information that Webb, 47, researched was sent automatically to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the operators of the LEADS system.

Webb was hired in February 1990 and promoted to sergeant in April 1997.

He was charged with unauthorized use of the LEADS computer.

Webb plead guilty Monday in Summit County Common Pleas Court, according to police.

He was sentenced to six months probation.