CAMPBELL, Ohio - In a surprise move, Campbell's Police Chief has resigned effective immediately.

Chief Dennis Puskarcik was under investigation.

So does one have anything to do with the other?
  
The answer to that question is unclear because no one is actually talking - just releasing statements.

21 News first told you that Chief Puskarcik was the focus of an internal investigation back on December 20th.

According to the Campbell City Law Director, Brian Macala, an allegation was made that the chief may have taken something from the evidence room and the law director said it was not illegal drugs, firearms or cash.

Chief Puskarcik was on paid administrative leave and the investigation was referred to the State Attorney General's Office.

Now Chief Puskarcik has officially resigned.

In a letter to Mayor Nick Phillips, he wrote, "After being exonerated of any doing within the city of Campbell Police Department, I Dennis Puskarcik do hereby respectfully resign."

Mayor Nick Phillips refused to go on-camera when we showed up at his office, telling our 21 News crew in a statement:  "Allegations of criminal conduct against Chief Puskarcik were unsubstantiated."

But if it's true that the allegations are unsubstantiated why would the case have been referred to BCI just last week for a criminal investigation?

Campbell Law Director Brian Macala says he was caught off guard by this latest development.  But he says the case was referred to BCI Agents for investigation, and BCI did make a request for additional information. 

BCI at this point has not determined whether or not they will take the case, but they could still do so whether Puskarcik is chief or not.

Puskarcik did not return a call for comment.