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City of Tiffin confirms email containing allegations against Perkins was sent to some councilmembers prior to mayor selection
Tiffin, Ohio — The city of Tiffin released a statement Wednesday morning confirming TiffinOhio.net’s reporting that members of Tiffin City Council received an email message containing allegations against Zack Perkins prior to Monday’s special meeting, in which councilmembers selected Perkins to fulfill the remainder of former Mayor Aaron Montz’s unexpired term.
On Tuesday, Perkins, who was serving as an at-large member of Tiffin City Council at the time he was selected to fill the mayoral vacancy, abruptly resigned from council effective immediately and withdrew from consideration for the position of mayor.
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Following inquiry from TiffinOhio.net, Nick Dutro, director of communications for the city, released a statement regarding the email.
“The afternoon of July 11, prior to the 6 p.m. special meeting of city council, an email containing allegations concerning Perkins was sent to three councilmembers,” Dutro wrote. “The letter was not discussed during Monday night’s special meeting. The letter was not shared prior to the meeting with Acting Mayor Bridget Boyle or any member of city administration.”
Dutro said on Tuesday morning, the city received a public records request for the email. “It was released by the Director of Law once he became aware of its existence,” Dutro said.
TiffinOhio.net has obtained a copy of the email message in question. In the message, which was sent to Councilmembers Vickie Wilkins, Ken Jones, and Steve Lepard, the author said they had witnessed two alleged incidents of misconduct involving Perkins.
While Perkins was working as a fitness supervisor at the YMCA, he was fired for having an affair with an instructor while he was married, the author of the email wrote.
In another incident, the author of the email said Perkins was accused of sexual misconduct by a female employee while he was working in a management role at a local restaurant. Perkins wasn’t fired, so his accuser filed a lawsuit against the restaurant, costing the business a “substantial sum,” according to the email’s author.
The email that was sent to Councilmembers Vickie Wilkins, Ken Jones, and Steve Lepard ahead of their special meeting Monday, July 11.
The city’s confirmation of the email being sent to councilmembers prior to Monday’s vote raises questions about who was aware of the email, and why there was no mention of it during the special meeting.
TiffinOhio.net has reached out to councilmembers and Perkins for comment. No response has been received.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
