Prosecuting Attorney's Office of St. Joseph County, MI

07/24/2026

07/14/2026

Call Central Dispatch with any information--269-467-4195

*****UPDATE*****
Averie was found, thank you to the community who helped us look for and locate her.

******UPDATE******

The Three Rivers Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Averie Yingling 13 years old. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt and black pants. Last seen in the 1000 block of Elm St. If located please call Central Dispatch at 269-467-4195.

07/09/2026

06/11/2026

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office is hiring an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Our office handles everything from misdemeanor offenses to serious felony prosecutions, always with a focus on public safety, justice, and service to our community.

This position offers meaningful courtroom experience, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of St. Joseph County residents.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please apply online or feel free to reach out with questions.

03/24/2026

Our office extends our encouragement and best wishes to Judge Paul Stutesman as he begins treatment. We are hopeful for a successful course of care and a full recovery.

We want to assure the public that we are working closely with court administration to maintain continuity in Circuit Court proceedings during this time. Adjustments to scheduling and judicial assignments may occur as needed, and we appreciate the community’s patience as those arrangements are made.

We remain committed to supporting the court process and ensuring cases continue to move forward in a fair and orderly manner during this period. Victims with questions or concerns about how this may affect their cases are encouraged to contact our Victim Advocate Office for assistance.

The county has launched an updated website, contact information can be located through the link below:

https://stjosephcountymi.gov/government/courts-law-enforcement/prosecuting-attorney-s-office/

Stutesman Announces He Has Cancer
3/24/2026
Stiles

(CENTREVILLE) – St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman has announced that he has cancer.

In a posting on his page, Stutesman says he is making the announcement to ease up on some of the rumors that may come out soon.

Stutesman says in late November, he started to develop a lump in his thigh and by December he had it looked at because it wasn’t going away.

Following numerous ultrasounds, CAT scans, MRI’s and PET scans along with a couple of biopsies, Stutesman says he was told he has a very rare Sarcoma and has a treatment plan from the sarcoma team at the University of Michigan and his local doctors in South Bend.

Stutesman says the treatment will involve a short course of chemotherapy, followed by radiation and then surgery. At the present time it has not metastasized to any other areas so it is hoped to be curable.

Stutesman says he is still working but he is making plans with the other judges to cover his workload when possible. He is also seeking help from his friends across the State or even some retired judges if needed.

Stutesman says he fully expects to continue working through the rest of his term. He is also looking forward to finally getting the treatment started and getting on the road to recovery.

Stutesman says he wants to thank the community for their understanding.

Judge Paul Stutesman (photo courtesy of You Tube)

03/22/2026

Fiscal responsibility and risk management—two concepts that matter when you’re entrusted with the constitutional duty of enforcing the law.

Prosecutors make decisions every day based on the information available at the time. That often means relying on victim and witness statements.

🚫We are not human lie detectors.

We do our best to evaluate credibility and evidence, but sometimes new information comes to light later—information that could have changed an earlier decision.

🚫That is not misconduct.

⚖️That is the reality of how the justice system works.

Even when decisions are made in good faith and within the law, they can still lead to complaints, investigations, or legal proceedings.

That’s the risk.

And when those situations arise, they require legal representation—just like any other profession.

A $1,400 policy to cover those costs isn’t controversial. It’s common sense.

03/09/2026

🚩🚩LOCAL HOMEOWNERS 🚩🚩
Beware of the red flags as you navigate repair work.

Call your insurance agent or representative BEFORE signing any paperwork with contractors.

No insurance? Call 2-1-1 to get connected to community resources.

03/09/2026

With the risk of more upcoming weather-related emergencies, FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued this information:

Damaging wind, hail & tornadoes are forecast for parts of the southern and central U.S. this week. Be prepared in case of a tornado warning:

- Go to a small interior room like a closet, basement, or storm cellar.
- Stay away from windows, large open rooms, doors, or outside walls.