The Village of Northfield Chief of Police Mark Wentz resigned his resigned as Chief, after facing two suspensions and a series disciplinary warnings since November 2015.
Wentz's resignation was confirmed by an official news release issued by the Northfield Village Law Director on November 7.
The information concerning the Wentz resignation/retirement was first reported by Nordonia Hills Newsoutlining a series of disciplinary actions leveled against the Chief by the Mayor.
News5.com obtained a series of four disciplinary memos issued by the Mayor since March 2015.
The memos outlined issues with Chief Wentz concerning overtime, comp time, and visits to the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, which included the Chief allegedly seeking autographs and photos with music stars appearing at the venue, like ZZ Top.
Both the Mayor and Law Director would not comment on the specifics of the Wentz resignation.
Long time businessman Tom Russo told News5.com he believes the Chief is being treated unfairly and that his resignation was politically motivated.
"The Chief might have made a bad decision in what he did, but does he deserve to be asked to resign for that," said Russo.
"Do I feel somebody should be held accountable for that? Maybe a two or three day suspension, but it's disappointing that he had to resign the way it had to happen."
So far our attempts to reach Wentz for comment on this story have been unsuccessful.
The Village of Northfield issued the following statement on the Wentz resignation:
"The Village’s Police Chief, Mark Wentz, has resigned and will retire, effective December 31, 2016, and his resignation and has been accepted by the Mayor. Chief Wentz will remain on paid administrative leave until his December 31, 2016 retirement date.
Both the Village and Chief Wentz feel that it is in their mutual best interests that Chief Wentz not return to active duty for the Village prior to his retirement date. The Village thanks Chief Wentz for his 15 plus years of service to the Village and wishes him well in his retirement."
