Lake Shore City Council member John Bukovich — who was cited for shoplifting Sunday at Gander Mountain in Baxter — blamed his medications for his actions.
“I’m taking two types of medications and when I run out of it or take too many I get goofy,” Bukovich said in a telephone interview. “I feel bad about it. I take the meds to settle me down so I’m not so hyper.”
Bukovich said he is on anti-depressant medications and they have bad side effects. Bukovich said in his head, he believed the merchandise he took was his.
Baxter Police Chief Jim Exsted said an officer responded to a call at 11:37 a.m. at Gander Mountain, where Bukovich was issued a citation for misdemeanor shoplifting of $225 worth of merchandise.
According to court records in Crow Wing County, the 67-year-old Lake Shore resident also was cited for shoplifting at Fleet Farm in Baxter on April 4, 2008. However, Bukovich fought the citation and it was dismissed.
“It’s embarrassing,” Bukovich said of the allegations of shoplifting. “I feel foolish ... I could go back and fight it (Sunday’s citation) and get this one dismissed too, but I’m tired. I don’t want to do it anymore.”
Bukovich is the general manager of The Lakes Grill and Bar that opened April 16 just off Highway 371 North near Brainerd International Raceway in the building that formerly housed Matty’s restaurant.
Bukovich said the shoplifting incident was another reminder to him that he needs to control his use of his antidepressant medications. He said he plans to have the waitresses at The Lakes Grill and Bar be his support in helping him take the right amount of medication.
Bukovich has been a Lake Shore City Council member since 2004. His current term expires this year. Before serving on the council, Bukovich served as the Lake Shore police chief for about 20 years, up until the city council decided against renewing his contract with the city on Aug. 25, 2003.
Controversy surrounded Bukovich when the city council placed him on paid administrative leave on July 17, 2003, while an investigation was under way of allegations made from an outside party relating to Bukovich’s duties as police chief. The Itasca County attorney investigated the case and declined to file criminal charges against Bukovich for alleged theft and misconduct. The attorney said there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bukovich committed the crimes of theft of public funds and misconduct of a public officer while he served as the Lake Shore Police Chief.
Then on Jan. 12, 2004, Bukovich filed a lawsuit against the city of Lake Shore for $50,000 for accrued vacation and sick time for which he said he wasn’t paid.
In his complaint, Bukovich stated he had “demanded” the $108,779 and the city failed to pay him. In his lawsuit, Bukovich asked for $50,000 to cover his attorney fees as well as accrued vacation and sick time. In an answer served Feb. 4, 2004, the city of Lake Shore denied owing any more than the $800 it has already paid Bukovich. The lawsuit was favorable to Bukovich and the city had to pay him additional accrued vacation pay.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851. Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl.
Comments (36)
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Seems to me like he has a problem with stealing. He wasn't charged as Police chief because they couldn't prove theft beyond a reasonable doubt. That doesn't make someone innocent (or guilty). He fought another shoplifting charge in 2008 and got it dismissed (on what grounds)? Now it is his medication. Wow. I have met this man and it is true he should be heavily medicated.
At what point and at what age should a man be accountable for his actions? At what point do the excuses stop, and accountability kick in?
Best to avoid ...
... anything this loser is involved in !!
Lived in Lake Shore
I lived in Lake Shore for many years during the time John was chief. All I can say is before he became chief the police coverage in Lake Shore was really really bad. From what I saw he did a good job during the time I was there. Granted, I did not live there during the time he lost his job..things change and people change. He seems to generate alot of negative press now for things like this and looks to deserve it..but all Im saying is during the 80's and 90's in Lake Shore he seemed to be doing a good job from what I saw.
Depression & meds
Great, another story to add more stigma to depression and other mental health issues. If my meds made me steal stuff (Oh excuse me, made me believe items were mine when they aren't), I'd be getting my butt to the doctor and TELLING him what's going on! Also, I don't think his wait staff should be the ones making sure he takes his meds properly. He's an adult, and if not capable of such tasks should probably be in assisted living. He should probably not be allowed to DRIVE either. I'd hate to have him kill/injure someone because he believed he had the right-of-way on a red light.
I wonder....
I wonder what he would think if someone walked out of his resturant without paying their ($225) tab! My guess is he would not be to pleased, and probably would sue them to get them to pay it. Be carefull what you get yourself into Mr. B. Karma is a you know what....
PS There are a lot of people on anti-depresents that don't steal.
?????
The person I feel sorry for is the man that owns "Lakes Bar & Grill". After getting taken by Matty. Now having this guy run his business. Who knows how many times JB has taken from this guy.
Disgusting
Obviously this poor excuse of humanity has some morally depraved friends in high places. Does he really think the public will buy his story? And he is in a position of power? There is no end to the corruption. Come on leaders, where are you?
I told you so....
I commented on Mr. Bukovich's morality when they printed the story on the opening of The Lakes Bar and Grill! Hes a crook and has no business running a business! I thought so then and i know so now! I hope someone sees him for who he really is and karma finally bites him in the [filtered word]!
WHAT???
It is pretty simple to look at this one.....if he hid the merchandise on himself, he was trying to hide it and knew it was not his. If he walked out bold as brass with it in his hand, maybe then I could consider buying the "I thought it was mine".... Steve Martin, the comedian, said in one of his skits on how to get out of trouble, simply say "I forgot".... "I forgot armed robbery was illegal". As an ex-police chief, I am pretty sure he did not forget stealing was illegal.
AND...OMG "He said he plans to have the waitresses at The Lakes Grill and Bar be his support in helping him take the right amount of medication." What world does he live in? How much is he going to pay them for home care services? He is a terrible chauvinist, that statement shows the character of the man, he still does not want to take responsibility for even taking his own medications. That is how he sees his waitresses...as his personal little helpers.
John, it's past time to move on
As a Lake Shore resident, I am once again embarrassed by the continued antics of our former Police Chief and current City Councilman. From showing disrespect to the citizens by putting your feet up on the table during Council meetings, to multiple investigations of dubious behavior, to suing the City; this has to end. Mr. Bukovich, you have lost the respect of your fellow citizens, do the right thing, resign and forever step out of public life. If you don't, I hope our Mayor grows a backbone and publically seeks your dismissal.
All I had to do
was look at the headline to know who it was. Not too hard to figure out with his past. Its time he starts taking responsibility for his actions. He has gotten away with way too much in the past, including his actions as police chief. It is clear from the one positive statement that not everyone knows the depth of his past, but don't let him fool you. I know a number of people, to include myself, that will not eat the the Lakes Cafe just because he is there. But I do believe in karma, and I know he has had some come his way but he has a lot more coming!
HR Nightmare
Waitresses ensuring proper administration of his medication? That is an HR nightmare, as well as a legal issue. What a disaster.
The waitresses job is to wait
The waitresses job is to wait on tables, serve food, clean up and provide a pleasant dining experience to the patrons of the restaurant. It is NOT to administer medication and arrange the private life of the manager.
Mr. B, if you require a person to balance your medications and make sure you take them correctly, then you need to hire a home health care worker and you need to pay them out of your pocket.
I hope every waitress he suggests this to tells him to stick it.
And, where there's smoke, there's fire. Since he's been arrested for shoplifting twice that we know of, it lends credibility to the claims of theft when he was working as the Chief of Police. It's not a medication problem....It's a kleptomania problem.
Whew!!!
It's a good thing for the Dispatch that this story came up so they didn't have to report anything about the CWC Attorney being sued in the voter fraud case.
Really?
Is anyone REALLY buying this s#$@?
free eats
Personally I'm heading to the cafe and git me some free eat's....I'll just say I forgot.to pay my bill.Must of been the meds.
Lotta fired
dishwashers and "waitresses" whining on here. Maybe you should have shown up on time once in a while?
this guy is a joke
I had a few years of anti-depressants. The weirdest I felt was when I missed a pill because of whatever reason. But in no way did it make me want to steal and for that matter commit any crime. All it did is make me very light headed and semi-dizzy. As for taking too many, do you have Alzheimer's sir?
Nice try, but FAIL. You are a kleptomaniac and need to serve time.
You know what?
I agree that Mr B clearly has some issues and facing reality doesn't seem to be one of his strong points, but when its all said and done, I have to feel sorry for him...as a human.
JB is a likeable enough guy, hes just sadly let his integrity fall way down into the dumpster. He needs, honestly, a big bunch of intervention and not in a cruel way, but he does need to get set straight on course and stop making excuses. He has issues, we all have issues, of some sort, but there comes a time, Mr B, to stop making excuses and address them. And honestly, I wish you well in doing so, because when you have your head on straight, you aren't a bad guy at all.
But you do have issues that absolutely need to be addressed...and I hope you do.
Perhaps the meds are a failed
Perhaps the meds are a failed attempt at treating the kleptomania.
Some antidepressants are
Some antidepressants are prescribed for OCD.
Evaluation and counseling ???
Hmmm, it appears this guy might benefit from some competent mental health evaluation and counsleing. It does appear there is a pattern of behavior involving other peoples property. It also appears there could be delusional thinking and rationalizing of behavior, allegedly caused by medication issues. As a writer has previously mentioned, maybe home health care for medication management is in order. I never heard of medication issues making people think other peoples property was theirs though. New one I have not heard before. Hopefully there is some rational explanation for this behavior, and not that the individual knowingly was stealing and now is making lies and excuses to get out of trouble.
Fair and balanced
Your comment suggest that people are speaking out due to being fired from their jobs. How is it you have come to that conclusion? Maybe peoples comments are based on the article. Your ridiculous notions do not seem very fair or balanced. Did you ever stop to think that this once ehtical man has simply lost his way and burned many bridges while doing so. It seems to me that most of the comments on here go to him not holding himself accountable for his own actions. Why do you choose to defend that?
alike
F&B and JB are a lot alike deyonne.
One gets attention by stealing and lying and the other one does it on the forums.
As long as he's getting attention.
Wow Nan,
that's a wooden stake in the heart.
FNB, Be careful of what you say. I have been both a waiter and
dishwasher. Neither job is fun, but I was proud of the fact that I was young and employed. Mr. Bukovich is not unique, he has a problem that, if arrested, my come to light and possibly get him the help he deserves. But to use an employee to help with "medication" is just another way of passing the blame to someone else down the road. At this point I really don't have any sympathy for the man. I do believe FNB that you really do owe an apology to those who work in the hospitality industry!
Well son,
I was both of those and a cook long before you, so no apology will be forthcoming. I had a run in with Mr. Bukovich years ago and am not his friend but, it seemed to me that the gang was having too much fun stomping on him after he was on the ground. Somebody should have rang the bell.
Gee you have to get your
Gee you have to get your waitstaff to help dispense your meds! I think that is the job of a home health nurse or assisted living! if you need the help of your staff to do this how can you perform your job effectively! if you cannot remember to take your meds on time or just take them back to back you should not be working in a service industry! you are all wrong! i may come in to your establishment and order lots of drinks and forget to pay my bill and use alcohol as my excuse that i forgot to pay my bill! back at ya! what works for the goose works for the gander
sorry but another comment to
sorry but another comment to be made! but maybe the Lakes Bar and Grill should take an inventory; if he is stealing from Wal Mart who says he is not stealing from there! there should be cost and accountability for him!
Wrong FNB. I haven't ever
Wrong FNB. I haven't ever been fired from a waitstaff job. In fact, I'm currently in one. And, if my employer asked me to be responsible for seeing that he took his meds properly, I would politely inform him that those duties were not within the scope of my employment.
There's no way I would open myself up to future liability if this guy steals something else and blames it on the waitstaff who forgot to tell him to take his meds or who gave him too many of his meds.
They are HIS meds. HE needs to take responsibility. And really, is there anyone on here who believes the story about the medication? The real issue is being responsible for your actions. In the past, he has gotten charges dismissed or blamed someone else. Now he's blaming his medication. Stand up, be a man, and face the consequences. Kleptomania impulses can be controlled and the first step is admitting that there is a problem.