KENT COUNTY, Michigan — The owner of a West Michigan area pet store who is also running for a Kent County Commissioner seat was arraigned Wednesday on the charge of gross indecency.
David Boelkes is facing a felony charge of gross indecency between males - committing/procuring, court documents filed in 62A District Court say.
Boelkes is running in the Aug. 6 Republican primary against Derek Anderson for Kent County's 20th District. District 20 represents portions of Wyoming and southwest Grand Rapids.
The winner will face Democrat Nancy Morales in November.
The alleged crime happened on June 19 at Buck Creek Nature Preserve, a probable cause affidavit said.
A Wyoming Police Officer was surveilling the area due to "the excessive amount" of public sex acts reportedly happening in the park.
The officer said he watched Boelkes walk into the woods with a man not related to this case. That officer then walked into the woods and said he saw another man performing a sex act with Boelkes.
That man is also facing the same charge.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years or a $2,500 fine with a conviction.
Buck Creek Nature Preserve has a walking trail, picnic area, restrooms and a parking lot. It is adjacent to Kent County's Palmer Park.
During the summer months, Wyoming Police Department officers regularly patrol parks, especially ones with wooded areas, Lt. Andrew Koeller said.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to Boelkes for comment but has not yet heard back. Boelkes did post bond.
His next court date has not been announced yet.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.