KALKASKA -- Kalkaska County Undersheriff Bruce Gualtiere is being investigated for allegedly assaulting his teen stepson.
A June 28 incident at Gualtiere's home in Grand Traverse County's Whitewater Township prompted an investigation by Michigan State Police. The case has been forwarded to the Grand Traverse prosecutor's office for possible criminal charges.
Gualtiere was suspended with pay shortly after the incident.
Lt. Kenneth Holmes, commander of the state police Kalkaska post, said the stepson, 17, didn't need medical treatment.
"It amounts to more or less your typical pushing and shoving," he said.
The stepson left Gualtiere's home after the incident and returned to Kalkaska County, where he lives with his girlfriend. His girlfriend's father called 911 and specifically asked for the state police to respond to the incident, Holmes said.
Troopers believe Gualtiere and his stepson argued prior to the alleged assault.
"There's been typical family issues that I think probably played into ... why they got into an argument that particular night," Holmes said.
Troopers won't investigate the incident further.
"It's complete, as far as we know. We haven't received any request for follow-up," Holmes said. "It's a pretty straightforward and simple investigation."
Grand Traverse Prosecutor Al Schneider said the incident remains under review.
Kalkaska Sheriff Bill Artress placed Gualtiere on leave immediately after the incident, he said. Gualtiere will remain on leave pending Schneider's decision.
"With the complaint going to the state police, it's better to put him on administrative leave until we see what's going to go on," Artress said.
Gualtiere has worked for the Kalkaska Sheriff's Department since 1980 and has served as undersheriff since 2005, Artress said.
"He's the undersheriff, and he's going to be treated like any other employee I have," Artress said.
Gualtiere declined comment.
In January, Gualtiere's stepson brought a knife to Kalkaska High School, leading to his eventual expulsion. His mother is Gualtiere's wife, Jan Gualtiere, who works as an administrative assistant at the Kalkaska Sheriff's Department.
Jan Gualtiere was suspended from the department for her role in covering up her son's weapon possession on school grounds. A corrections officer and a deputy also were suspended for their roles in hiding the incident from their superiors.
