WYOMING, Mich. — The owner of a West Michigan area pet store who is also running for a Kent County Commissioner seat is accused of gross indecency.
That's according to court documents filed in 62A District Court against David Boelkes. He's facing a charge of gross indecency between males - committing/procuring.
David 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.
Boelkes is scheduled to appear for an arraignment hearing the week of July 15.
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.
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