Press Release from Barry County Regarding Chief Bukala

June 15, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Julie Nakfoor-Pratt
Barry County Prosecuting Attorney
(269) 945-1297

BARRY COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ISSUES CHARGES ON UNAUTHORIZED USE OF LEIN

(Hastings, MI) – Julie Nakfoor-Pratt, Barry County Prosecuting Attorney, announced today that charges have been issued against the Lowell Police Chief Steven Bukala. Bukala is charged with 5 counts of Unauthorized Use of LEIN, (MCL 28.214 (6)(a), a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500, or both).  Nakfoor Pratt was appointed Special Prosecutor for the Kent County Prosecutor, who had to recuse himself due to a conflict.

Mr. Bukala turned himself in to authorities today.  His arraignment will be set at a later date.  He is currently represented by Terry Tobias and Brett Naumcheff.

Mr. Bukala is presumed innocent until proven guilty. As with all criminal defendants, the charges issued are accusations until, and if, the defendant is convicted.

 

Editing at 4:10pm to add a statement received from City Manager Michael Burns on the matter.  The following statement was received:

We appreciate the work of the Barry County prosecutor on this matter. We have placed Chief Bukala on unpaid administrative leave while we evaluate the investigation from the Michigan State Police. We appreciate the MSP Sixth District Command for their professionalism in this matter.

1 Comment

  1. Hurst is just as bad if not worse as an officer. He has young girls (15) lift their shirts so he can make sure they have any wepons on them when their walking home, and that is just the beginning.

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