Brimfield Township Police Chief David Oliver, whose Facebook posts have made him well-known across the country, has been suspended from the department effective Tuesday.

“I can’t say very much due to the nature of the investigation,” Brimfield Township attorney Gregory Beck said. “But I will say that the case revolves around a claim made in regards to the department’s gender discrimination policy.”

Beck said this is different than a sexual harassment claim because this claim is in reference to an employee trying to solicit a relationship with another, whereas a gender discrimination claim is when there is supposed gender inequality in a workplace.

In a Jan. 13 post on the Brimfield Police Department’s Facebook page, Oliver said he received the two-week, unpaid suspension for an “administrative policy violation.”

“I fully accept the punishment and apologize for anyone impacted by my failure to adhere to follow the rules,” Oliver wrote.

Oliver also addressed the claims that the Brimfield Township Trustees were at fault for his suspension.

“My elected folks are some of the best I have ever worked with,” Oliver wrote. “Had they not enforced the policy and disciplined me, the system would be worthless. NO ONE is above the rules. I am a big believer in taking responsibility and punishment; I expect it from my subordinates and will certainly adhere to my own expectations. I have learned a great deal from this experience and I will be a better chief and stronger administrator when I return.”

Oliver posted that he plans to stay active on the page during his suspension, and Capt. Christopher Adkins will be taking over his duties for the two weeks.

Check back on KentWired throughout the day for updates.

Contact Katie Nix at [email protected].