PERRY TWP. — An internal investigation of ex-Police Chief Timothy Escola’s conduct is closed.

Township trustees accepted Escola’s decision to retire, effective immediately, Tuesday night. No interim chief was named.

Trustee Craig Chessler said the Police Department’s four sergeants — the next highest rank — will co-manage the force until Escola’s successor is found.

Escola retires after four years with the department, and after township officials received an anonymous tip Thursday involving him.

Law Director Charles Hall said he reviewed the information and recommended no disciplinary action. However, he would not say if the allegations were true.

“I’m making no determination. With his retirement, that closes my investigation,” Hall said.

Chessler said the tip alleges inappropriate behavior involving Escola and a young officer on a trip to pick up a prisoner in Cincinnati. He said their actions allegedly were recorded on the dasboard camera in the police cruiser.

Video from a police cruiser shows a female officer snuggling and repeatedly kissing Escola's neck and ear while transporting a crime suspect.

Escola has denied any wrongdoing. He submitted his retirement letter Monday. He did not attend Tuesday’s trustees’ meeting.

Chessler said Escola never was ordered or asked to resign or retire by trustees. The young officer remains on the force.

Chessler and Trustee Anna Capaldi did not go into specifics about the allegations, only that it caught them off-guard.

“When something happens out of character, it certainly is a surprise,” Capaldi said. “We’re disappointed.”

Both said Escola brought a wealth of experience to the Police Department, making significant improvements to the force.

“It’s regret to see somebody like that with a good career leave us,” Chessler said.

Escola had been in law enforcement for 36 years, the last four with Perry. In May 2005, he replaced then-Police Chief Mark Machan. His career also includes the Ohio Highway Patrol and assistant director of safety service for the Ohio Turnpike Commission.