SALEM — A Salem police officer has resigned under the threat of termination.

According to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) record portal, officer Michael Wirkner has resigned from the department in lieu of termination effective May 11.

In a press release issued Thursday, the department confirmed that it had received “a complaint regarding alleged violations of the Ohio Revised Code and departmental policies” on April 20. According to the release, the “Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, was contacted and requested to conduct the criminal investigations into these allegations.”

“To protect the integrity of the investigation, the City of Salem Police Department will have no further comment at this time pending the conclusion of BCI’s investigation,” the release said.

The release also specified that “the officer was immediately relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation into these allegations.”

When contacted for comment, Police Chief J.T. Panezott clarified that an officer was placed on leave with pay in accordance with the police union’s collective bargaining agreement. Panezott said he was unable to name the officer or comment on if the officer was still with the department.

When asked for comment on Wirkner’s resignation and the reason for a potential termination of his employment, Panezott said he was “unable to at this time.”

When asked about the investigation, Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino said the appointment of a special prosecutor has been requested from Mahoning County due to a conflict of interest for his office.

Staff Reporter Mary Ann Greier contributed to the article.