POLAND TWP., Ohio - The Poland Local School District has released a statement to the media Thursday following allegations against a school resource officer.

The statement from Dr. Edwin Holland, the interim superintendent of Poland Local Schools, went to parents in the district.

In the statement, Holland wrote the Poland Local School District was made aware of criminal allegations involving an individual who works in the district but is not employed through the district.

"As soon as the district was informed, the administration contacted law enforcement," Holland wrote. "The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement while an investigation is being conducted."

Holland says the individual is not permitted in any of the school buildings and stressed the safety and well-being of students and staff is a top priority. He says the district will not make any further comments while the investigation is ongoing.

On Wednesday, 21 News learned that Poland Township School Resource Officer Steve Kent was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending an investigation involving BCI's Special Victims Unit. The officer allegedly committed a felony offense while on and off duty. Those are the only details that have been released so far.

Trustees approved the unpaid administrative leave for Kent on Wednesday. 

Kent is also an Austintown Township trustee. Other trustees there say it's too early to say if they believe Kent should step aside as a trustee.