MINGO JUNCTION, Ohio — A large crowd was on hand Tuesday night for Mingo Junction’s council meeting, with many questioning fire department personnel.

Mingo Junction Fire Chief Brandon Montgomery has been placed on leave pending a BCI investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against his subordinates.

While details have not been released, NEWS9 spoke with one woman who said she’s glad the move was made, but she also believes the council could have played a bigger role in getting this investigation started.

“They don’t follow the rules,” Cathy Stoddart said. “I looked through their request for information and I looked at the Ohio Sunshine Laws and the handbook for council members and I wanted some accountability because we couldn’t move forward. But they’re ‘playing around and looking at things they shouldn’t be when they need to legislate and appropriate.’

Some council members say they disagree with this decision because only allegations have been made and Montgomery has not been officially charged.

“We don’t know either, but he’s been removed from the website,” Councilwoman Jodilynn Fitzgerald said. “They are based on allegations. He has not been found guilty yet.”