NEW MIDDLETOWN — Village police Chief Vincent D’Egidio resigned Tuesday amid an investigation by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s office.

“I was notified this afternoon (the chief) resigned effective immediately,” said Robert Carson, a village city council member.

D’Egidio’s resignation comes shortly after village Mayor Harry Kale placed him on paid administrative leave Sunday following the revelation the sheriff’s office is investigating him.

D’Egidio started at the department in 1981 and has been chief for about a decade.

Attempts Tuesday evening to reach D’Egidio were unsuccessful.

Carson said the mayor will make a decision about how to lead the department temporarily. Kale could not be reached Tuesday night.

The village is likely to replace D’Egidio permanently after the position is advertised, the mayor conducts interviews and council votes to confirm the new chief, Carson said.

“This all happened so fast,” Carson said.

It is unclear what the sheriff’s office is investigating.

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told The Vindicator’s news partner WKBN TV27 that he could not answer specifics of the investigation and that he’s not sure if D’Egidio did anything wrong.

“At this point, we don’t know if it’s criminal. It may or may not be. It could be something internal. We’ve been tasked with doing our job and we’re going to do it thoroughly,” Greene said.

The state is assisting in the investigation.

Carson said council has never been made aware of any concerns about D’Egidio in the past.

“He has done good for the community. He is well liked. Before he was chief he was a sergeant and he grew up around here. Without knowing the details of the investigation, it is a shame to see something like this happen,” Carson said.

D’Egidio was chief in August when his department began investigating James Reardon, 20, after a tip about Reardon’s online behavior.

Reardon was charged in federal court, accused of making threats of violence against the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown.

A federal grand jury indicted Reardon on charges of transmitting threatening communications via interstate commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He pleaded not guilty.

rfox@tribtoday.com