AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - People asking for signatures to remove Austintown Trustee Steve Kent from office say they are receiving support from the community.

 

21 News wanted to ask Kent about the petitions, but he was not at Monday night's meeting.

 

The chairman of the board explained a family member of Kent's had surgery.

 

Kent was fired in March from his job as a Poland School Resource Officer, with Trustees in Poland citing "immoral conduct and malfeasance."  

 

In April, Kent was charged criminally with three counts of felony sexual battery against a student, and one misdemeanor count tampering with evidence.

 

Kent pleaded not guilty. 

 

During the first week of December, the prosecution filed a motion to use evidence at trial.

 

Kent's next pretrial in court is set for December 20. 

 

People with the petitions say Austintown needs a trustee who can focus fully on township business and residents needs.

 

Brenda Rider tells 21 News there are several department heads who will be retiring and important issues the township faces.

 

"They can sign at the Wishing Well Laundromat in Wedgewood Plaza. We have a sign in sheet letting them know what dates and times we will be there. You can reach us on Facebook. You can reach me with my phone number or any number of ways.  There is a Facebook page that's called Kick Kent from Office," said Brenda Rider.

 

Only registered voters who live in Austintown can sign the petition, 2290 signatures are needed.

 

Steven Kent is also facing a civil lawsuit in Federal Court in relation to the criminal charges. In that lawsuit the victim who was a minor at the time accuses Kent of being a sexual predator. 

 

21 News is also working to find out if Kent is raising money to run for office when his term expires.