Poland Township voted unanimously to discharge a school resource officer for "immoral conduct and malfeasance in accordance with Article 7 and Article 9 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Fraternal Order of Police and Poland Township."

"We decided we were going to terminate him based on our collective bargaining and things that fell under the union agreements," said Chairman of the Poland Township Trustees, Eric Ungaro. 

Officer Steve Kent was placed on unpaid administrative leave in June of 2021 after allegations came to light involving an individual who works in the Poland Local School District, but is not employed through the district.

Poland Township officials tell 21 News that Kent's firing was not based on the findings of the BCI investigation, but based on the union contract.

Kent allegedly committed a felony offense while on and off duty. During his leave, and currently he is not permitted in any of the school buildings. 

BCI officials told 21 News the incident was being investigated by it's Special Victims Unit. Officials say the investigation has been completed, but the results have not been released at this time.  A special prosecution section is reviewing the investigation by SVU.

At this point Kent has not been charged with anything.

21 News has not received any comments from Kent at this time about whether he plans to appeal the Township's decision to terminate him as a police officer. 

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