PERRY TOWNSHIP – The Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department and Association issued a press release Wednesday regarding the recent arrest of Assistant Fire Chief Anthony F. Constantino, with Fire Chief Brandon Smith saying they are aware of the situation.

“Our priority remains the safety of our community and the integrity of our organization. As this matter proceeds through the court system, Assistant Chief Constantino has been suspended from all duties with the fire department and association. We remain committed to serving the residents of Perry Township with professionalism and transparency and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”

Constantino entered a not guilty plea Tuesday in Columbiana County Municipal Court for misdemeanor charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools after being caught up in an alleged sex sting operation in East Palestine on Friday.

A pretrial was set at 9:30 a.m. March 25 for Constantino, 48, West Pershing Street, Salem.

The charges stem from an incident when he was accused of allegedly responding to an undercover ad on a known prostitution website and arranging for sexual activity with a woman in exchange for money, then driving to East Palestine on Friday for the meeting with the phone used to make the arrangements in his possession, according to an affidavit by an agent with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. The affidavit said he asked the “woman” if she was law enforcement or the police.

When he arrived at the meeting location, he was met by the agent and East Palestine police officers. Constantino was released from jail on a recognizance bond.

When contacted initially about the arrest, Smith said Tuesday that he had no comment at this time since it’s an active court case and confirmed Constantino was placed on leave.