AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- There has been a new ruling on the prison sentence for former Austintown Trustee Steve Kent.

It was decided Wednesday that he will have to begin his prison term even though he’s appealing his conviction and sentence.

Earlier this month, Kent was ordered to serve a year behind bars after a jury found him guilty on a charge of tampering with evidence. He was accused of resetting his cell phone to keep investigators from finding potentially incriminating photos and videos on it.

The case involved sexual misconduct allegations from a Poland Seminary High School student, but a jury found Kent not guilty of those charges.

This week, Kent’s request to delay his sentence as he appeals the case was turned down.