Northfield Police Chief Mark Wentz has resigned effective Dec. 31 following accusations of repeated misconduct while working off-duty at Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.
According to disciplinary records, Wentz once attempted to meet members of rock band ZZ Top while working off-duty at the Rocksino despite warnings not to solicit celebrities for autographs. It’s unclear in what context Wentz worked there, and the village has declined to comment beyond acknowledging his resignation.
In addition, the records show Wentz failed to notify Mayor Jesse Nehez before taking paid time off work, working overtime or leaving the village limits while on duty.
Brad Bryan, the village’s law director, said Wentz’s resignation means the village will cease its investigation into his conduct at the Rocksino, which could not be reached for comment.
In a news release, the village thanked Wentz for his long service but did not mention the allegations against him. Bryan declined to say more because, he said, “the village wishes to look and move forward and not rehash past events.”
Disciplinary memos, though, give mention to some of the incidents.
The mayor wrote in November 2015 that Wentz asked members of ZZ Top to sign pictures while he was working backstage. Nehez wrote that he and Rocksino management had asked Wentz in August and November of 2014 not to request autographs from performers.
In September, Nehez accused Wentz of violating “previous directives” regarding the Rocksino and forbade him from continuing to work off-duty there. He informed Wentz an investigation would begin, and a memo in October noted the start of the investigation and informed Wentz he’d been placed on leave.
Wentz could not be reached for comment. In his resignation letter, the chief — who’s been on paid administrative leave since early October pending an investigation into the Rocksino allegations — said he’s glad for the time he served as a police officer.
“I have accomplished everything I set out to do,” he wrote, “and eagerly look forward to spending quality time with friends and family, especially my wife Geri, who has supported and stood by my side over the entire length of my career.”
Wentz, who’s served more than 15 years as chief and four decades as a police officer, wrote that he’s considering a move to the private sector but has not yet decided. He thanked members of the community for their support and friendship and wished the best to his yet-to-be-named successor.
The chief will remain on paid leave until his retirement begins.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGluntABJ and on Facebook @JournoNickGlunt .