HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Lowell police chief has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after he misused a police database.
On Wednesday, Chief Steve Bukala pleaded to willful neglect of duty by a public officer. In exchange, other misdemeanors with lesser penalties were dismissed.
The prosecutor recommended probation rather than the maximum year in jail and Bukala was sentenced to fines and fees totaling $1,425. He’ll also have to undergo retraining of the Law Enforcement Information Network within 90 days.
LEIN is a database that lists people’s personal information and includes details about criminal backgrounds. It’s only available to law enforcement and is strictly regulated. Specific details about Bukala’s misuse of the system have not been released.
Full story: WOOD TV