Search warrant leads to arrest on multiple charges

A Coldwater man faces a number of charges, including offenses related to criminal-sexual conduct.

Branch County Sheriff Fred Blankenship said deputies arrested Ray Zierle March 28 at his residence on Bidwell Road after they executed a search warrant at his home.

Authorities said Zierle is a night custodian with Union City Community Schools.

Blankenship said deputies found electronic devices containing explicit conversations with a minor. Upon further investigation, deputies discovered Zierle had been involved in a sexual relationship with the youth.

Deputies also found weapons and drugs at Zierle’s residence.

He was charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct; two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct; accosting a child for immoral purposes; delivery and manufacture of a controlled substance; and multiple weapons charges, authorities said.