By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Michigan State police executed a search warrant on Oct. 3 at the home of Niles City Council candidate Bob Burch in what First Lt. Michael Brown of the Michigan State Police said stemmed from a criminal investigation.
During the search warrant, Detective Sgt. Fabian Suarez of the state police said Burch's computer was seized and is currently undergoing a forensic examination by the South Bend Police Department.
"Once the forensic examination is done, we will submit the information to the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office for possible criminal charges," Suarez said.
Neither Brown nor Suarez could release any information as to why the warrant was issued.
Burch, 36, who resides at 548 W. Main St., was a candidate for the City Council in November 2005. He challenged Scott Clark, who won, but later resigned. This year, Burch will be opposing 4th Ward Niles City Councilman Bruce Williams in the Nov. 6 election.
Burch grew up in the Madron Lake area of Buchanan, moving to Niles in 1980. He's a 1990 graduate of Niles High School.