More than two weeks after the Martins Ferry police chief was convicted of crimes in connection with a celebrity surrogate scandal, there is still no word on if he will remain on the job.

Chief Barry Carpenter was tried in connection with an alleged conspiracy to take items from a woman who acted as a surrogate mother for the twins of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.

A jury found Carpenter guilty of receiving stolen property, theft in office and tampering with evidence. He was found not guilty of all counts of burglary and not guilty of unauthorized use of property or services.

Carpenter is still suspended from his position and remains on home confinement.

Under Ohio law, a convicted felon is not legally permitted to serve on a police force, but Martins Ferry officials have not said if Carpenter will be terminated.

Some residents said they think it's obvious that police officers convicted of crimes shouldn't be serving the community.

"I don't think he should get his job back because if he had to do his job right in the first place, he wouldn't have gotten himself in trouble. And honestly, I think that the people are starting to realize that our cops are just as crooked and they do not deserve a chance to be on the force," said Michael Coe, of Bridgeport.

Vicky Chick, of Rayland, said that if she were the one in trouble, the legal system would have no problem sending her to jail let alone allow her to remain in a position of power.

"I think if he was convicted of the crimes and proven guilty, then he shouldn't get his job back because he's put in that position to convict anybody else that's guilty. I don't think he should get his job back," Chick said.

Martins Ferry Mayor Phil Wallace said he must wait for direction from his law director before a decision is made.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

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