YOUNGSTOWN — Jurors have found Austintown Trustee Steve Kent not guilty of three counts of sexual battery, but found he did tamper with evidence.

That third degree felony could carry a penalty of up to three years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines upon sentencing.

Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge John Durkin gave the jurors instructions just this afternoon as they started deliberating in Kent’s trial.

Closing arguments by the state and by Kent’s defense wrapped up this afternoon.

The verdicts followed quickly.

Kent is also a former Poland Township school resource officer.

Prosecutors alleged Kent had an inappropriate relationship with a student while he was the resource officer for Poland Seminary High School, and that he later attempted to destroy evidence.

Kent denied in testimony that any sexual action took place.

Read MORE in Tuesday’s VINDICATOR.