Entire Ohio Police Force, Chief Placed on Leave Amid Investigation

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The Village of Sardinia, Ohio has placed its entire police force, including the police chief, on administrative leave as the village conducts an investigation. The notice, posted on the village website, states this was done "to ensure the integrity of the investigative process and to maintain public trust and transparency." The move comes after the previous mayor resigned in March 2026, and the new mayor, Ashlie Webster, took over.

Why it matters

The suspension of an entire police department is a rare and significant event that raises questions about potential misconduct or mismanagement within the local government. It could impact public safety and trust in the community until the investigation is resolved.

The details

According to the notice posted on the Sardinia village website, all officers of the Sardinia Police Department have been placed on administrative leave effective immediately pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. The police chief, Brian Perry, has also been placed on leave. The village's previous mayor, Dusty Puckett, resigned in March 2026, and the new mayor, Ashlie Webster, took over.

• The police force was placed on leave on March 27, 2026.
• Sardinia's previous mayor, Dusty Puckett, resigned in March 2026.

What’s next

The investigation into the Sardinia Police Department is ongoing, and it is unclear how long the administrative leave will last or what the outcome of the probe will be.