Stating he developed an 'addiction' to pornography, Nucla High School teacher and former football coach Thomas Helmbrecht pleaded to be allowed contact with his daughters and for a manageable bond.

Helmbrecht, 50, was arrested Wednesday night at his home on the West End. He was being held on suspicion of sexual exploitation fo children - possessing sexually exploitave material.

The Montrose county Sheriff's Office would not divulge information about the alleged offense Thursday morning.

"They were all there. They were free. They were downloads," Helmbrecht said during court Thursday afternoon, shortly after learning court conditions would not all him to contact any female under the age of 18, including his daughters. The girls are not alleged to be victims in this case.

"I would never hurt my daughters, ever. I love my daughters and they love me. I would graciously ask you to let me see my daughters," he said.

Deputy District Attorney Sherri Price said that investigators found numerous explicit photos in Helmbrecht's home, and also located four computers, which still need to be examined.

"The defendant admitted to ongoing possession and use (of explicit materials) for five years," she said.

Price sought a $75,000 bond - an increase over Helmbrecht's bond upon arrest, which was $30,000 - in part because Helmbrecht is a science teacher at Nucla High and a former football coach.

Helbrecht said in court he taught science and that this was his third year with the district. He said he previously taught in Pritchett, Colo. and Center, Colo.

West End School District Superintendent Steve Yost confirmed Helmbrecht's length of employment with the local district. Because of personnel issue rules, Yost was unable to say whether Helmbrecht had been placed on leave.

He and other staff members were informed of the arrest Thursday morning.

"I'm sure there are parents that are concerned, as well as our other staff members. We will guard our children," Yost said. "Our children come first. Period."

In court, Helbrecht asked for a lower bond than what Price sought.

"I have been very, very cooperative with the officers. I believe it (pornography) is wrong. I have no doubt it is wrong. I need counseling. I need help," he said. "It started out with regular porn and these things started popping up. It became an addiction."

Judge John Mitchel set bond at $10,000 - less than what Price wanted and also less than what the Montrose County Sheriff's Office originally booked Helbrecht on.

The conditions of a protection order issued in the case also double as bond conditions. Under the order, Helmbrecht cannont contact minor girls, possess or view pornography, cannot access the Internet or use any kind of personal computer.

He was also ordered, as a condition of bond, to comply with any orders that might be issued in a civil dependency and neglect case and to see a clinical psychologist, as well as provide proof he was seeing the psychologist.

"If I don't get it, the bond will be revoked," Mitchel warned.

Mitchel granted Price's request to seal Helmbrecht's arrest warrant and affidavit. Formal charges are due by 12 p.m. Sept. 9. Helmbrecht returns to court at 9 a.m. Sept.10.