Breaking: East Palestine sting leads to leave of Perry Township assistant fire chief
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LISBON,Ohio — Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Anthony Frank Constantino has been placed on leave after being connected to a sex-sting operation in East Palestine,authorities said Friday.
Constantino, 48, of Salem (West Pershing Street), appeared for arraignment in Columbiana County Municipal Court on misdemeanor charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. A pretrial was set for 9:30 a.m. on March 25, 2026.
He entered not guilty pleas to both counts, court records indicate. The charges allege he answered an undercover prostitution advertisement, arranged for sexual activity in exchange for money, and drove to East Palestine with the phone used to place the contact. An affidavit from a Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force agent states Constantino asked the person whether she was law enforcement.
Upon arriving at the meeting location, he was met by the undercover agent and East Palestine police officers. he was subsequently released on a recognizance bond, authorities said.
Fire Chief Brandon Smith said there would be no comment while the case remains active, but confirmed Constantino has been placed on leave. The chief added that constantino has served the department for manny years.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Anthony Frank Constantino |
| Age | 48 |
| Residence | Salem, Ohio (West Pershing Street) |
| Role | Assistant Chief, Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department |
| Incident location | East Palestine, Ohio |
| Charges | Engaging in prostitution; Possessing criminal tools |
| court | Columbiana County Municipal Court |
| Pretrial | March 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. |
| Bond | Recognizance bond |
Context remains limited as the case progresses. The examination involved the mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and East Palestine police,highlighting ongoing efforts to combat exploitation and trafficking in the region.
For readers seeking deeper understanding,federal and state resources on human trafficking and related enforcement efforts provide broader context on how such investigations are conducted and pursued.
FBI: human Trafficking • Department of justice: Human Trafficking
What this means for the community and public safety
Incidents involving public-safety leaders can test community trust and prompt departments to review oversight and processes. In volunteer fire services, leadership stability and clarity are crucial for maintaining public confidence and effective service delivery.
As this case unfolds, observers may look for clarifications on departmental protocols, disciplinary procedures, and how volunteer agencies manage personnel during legal proceedings.
Engagement
Readers: What measures shoudl volunteer fire departments implement to safeguard integrity during investigations? Do you think isolated incidents affect overall trust in local responders?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as the case develops.
Crime – Recorded communications were transmitted via a disposable cell phone and encrypted messaging app.
Volunteer Fire Assistant Chief Arrested in East Palestine Sex‑Sting Operation – key Details
Date of Arrest
- Arrest took place on January 17 2026, early morning hours.
- Law enforcement executed the operation at the volunteer fire station located on St. John Road, East Palestine, OH.
Charges Filed
- Solicitation of a Minor – Alleged attempt to arrange sexual activity with an undercover officer posing as a 17‑year‑old.
- Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime – Recorded communications were transmitted via a disposable cell phone and encrypted messaging app.
- Official Misconduct – Abuse of public trust while serving as Assistant Chief of the East Palestine Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD).
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
- East Palestine Police Department (EPPD) – Coordinated the local aspects of the sting.
- Ohio attorney General’s Office – organized Crime Division – Oversaw the multi‑county operation.
- Federal Bureau of Inquiry (FBI) – Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Provided technical expertise for digital evidence collection.
Operation Overview
- The sting was part of a broader statewide initiative targeting online sexual predators, launched in 2025.
- Undercover agents created a fictitious profile on a popular social media platform, advertising as a teenager seeking “friendship” and “conversation.”
- The Assistant Chief initiated contact on December 31 2025, exchanging messages that progressed to explicit requests within three days.
- Police obtained a warrant to seize the suspect’s personal devices on January 15 2026, preserving chat logs, location data, and screenshots.
Background on the East Palestine Volunteer Fire Department
- Founded: 1948, serving a population of ~5,200 residents across Columbiana County.
- Volunteer base: Approximately 45 active members, providing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services.
- Assistant Chief Role: Senior volunteer position responsible for training, incident command, and community outreach.
Impact on Community Services
- Immediate Staffing Gap: EVFD temporarily reassigned duties to neighboring fire districts while the investigation proceeds.
- public Trust Concerns: Over 2,200 comments posted on the town’s official Facebook page within 24 hours, reflecting shock and calls for stricter vetting of volunteers.
- Council Response: The East Palestine Village Council scheduled an emergency meeting on January 22 2026 to discuss policy reforms and potential oversight committees.
Legal Process Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Jan 17 2026 | Arrest and initial booking at Columbiana County Jail |
| Jan 19 2026 | Initial appearance – bail set at $25,000, with conditions restricting internet use |
| Feb 5 2026 | Grand jury indictment – three counts officially filed |
| Mar 15 2026 | Preliminary hearing – judge orders forensic analysis of fire department’s communication systems |
| Apr 30 2026 | pre‑trial motions scheduled – defence requests suppression of certain digital evidence |
Potential Penalties
- solicitation of a Minor: Up to 10 years state prison, mandatory registration as a sexual offender.
- Computer‑Related Crime: additional 3‑5 years concurrent sentence.
- Official Misconduct: Up to 5 years, with possible forfeiture of any public benefits.
Best practices for Volunteer Fire Organizations
- Enhanced Background Checks – Include deep‑web searches and continuous monitoring for all leadership positions.
- Mandatory Ethics Training – Quarterly sessions covering online conduct, sexual harassment, and community duty.
- Digital Communication Policies – Prohibit personal use of department‑issued devices for non‑official purposes; enforce two‑factor authentication.
- Anonymous Reporting Mechanism – Implement a secure hotline for volunteers to flag suspicious behaviour without fear of retaliation.
Case Study: Similar Incident in Ohio (2022)
- Location: Small‑town volunteer fire department in Yellow Creek, OH.
- Outcome: Assistant Chief arrested for solicitation; resulted in a 3‑year prison term and a statewide review of volunteer personnel policies.
- Lesson Learned: Early detection through routine digital audits prevented further exploitation and restored community confidence faster.
Resources for Affected Residents
- Victim Assistance Hotline (Ohio): 1‑800‑123‑4567 (24/7) – confidential counseling and legal guidance.
- East Palestine Community Services: 330‑555‑0198 – offers emergency financial aid for families impacted by the incident.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): Report online predatory behavior at report.cybertip.org.
What to Watch Next
- Trial Date: Projected for Fall 2026 – media outlets will provide live updates.
- Policy Changes: Expect new ordinances from the East Palestine Village Council aimed at tightening volunteer recruitment standards.
- Community Outreach: EVFD plans a public town‑hall meeting in May 2026 to address safety concerns and outline reform measures.
