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

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.

03/08/2026

UPDATE: Theft, "looting", or any other version of taking things that don't belong to you and/or entering into or onto property without permission WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

See the post below for the details on how we will handle those who choose to take advantage of local homes and businesses.

STAY ALERT--report suspicious activity or crimes immediately by dialing 9-1-1, or calling the non-emergency line at 269-467-4195.

⚠️ ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

Our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other emergency responders are working around the clock to help our communities recover from the tornado.

Anyone who injures or interferes with emergency responders can be charged with a felony.

— Deborah J. Davis
St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney

03/07/2026

It is a crime to interfere with Emergency Management Operations--the unnecessary traffic coming into Three Rivers is slowing progress of the work crews.

BE ADVISED LAW ENFORCEMENT MAY ISSUE CITATIONS OR ARREST INDIVIDUALS FOR INTERFERING WITH EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.

This is not meant to discourage citizens from providing assistance or obtaining needed supplies from community resources.

SUGGESTED ROUTES FOR VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLY DROP-OFF OR PICKUP AT UNITED WAY COMMAND CENTER 143 W. MICHIGAN:

From the North/East/West: Hoffman to Main through downtown to West Michigan Ave.

From the South: M-86 to Main to West Michigan Avenue.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Constantine Street
Michigan Ave between Main and Hoffman

03/07/2026

⚠️OFFICIAL UPDATE⚠️
Volunteer registration is being managed by SJC United Way

📞 CALL AHEAD TO REGISTER at 269-467-9099

🇺🇸 Registered volunteers will check-in at 143 W. Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers

💙 United Way's Big Blue Bus will be there, and Kelly Hostetler will be coordinating supplies being dropped off and passed out.

🚫 NO CHAINSAWS NEEDED CURRENTLY--do NOT attempt to cut through debris, there is a danger of live wires and other hazards

❓️Questions about local relief resources--call 211

A State of Emergency has been declared by the Governor and local officials. Please be aware that this action has increased the criminal penalties related to interference with first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, Emergency Management personnel, and volunteers.

In addition, looting and theft WILL BE prosecuted. DO NOT approach those engaging in criminal behavior, but immediately report it to 911.

--Prosecutor Deborah Davis

03/07/2026

⚠️ ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

Our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other emergency responders are working around the clock to help our communities recover from the tornado.

Anyone who injures or interferes with emergency responders can be charged with a felony.

— Deborah J. Davis
St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney

03/06/2026

Public Safety Announcement--Three Rivers, Mendon, and Flowerfield Township

Public Message from the St. Joseph County Sheriff

Attention St. Joseph County residents:

We are asking everyone to please stay away from the north end of St. Joseph County until further notice. Emergency personnel are currently responding to an active situation in that area, and it is critical that our firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS, and other emergency workers have clear access to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Unnecessary traffic and onlookers can delay response times and create additional hazards for both the public and first responders.

If you do not live in the immediate area or do not have essential business there, please avoid traveling to the north end of the county at this time.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as our emergency teams work to manage the situation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office

03/01/2026

I’m sharing both exciting and bittersweet news — we are hiring a licensed attorney to join our office.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Josh Robare has accepted a position as Circuit Court Referee, beginning in April. This is a well-deserved opportunity, and we are all truly happy for him. At the same time, his many years of outstanding service to our office and our community will be deeply missed.

I have promoted Senior Assistant Prosecutor Gary Gabry to Chief Assistant Prosecutor. Gary brings decades of experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I am confident he will continue to be a strong advocate for justice and an experienced trial leader for this office.

With that promotion, we now have an opening for an APA II.

For many years, this office struggled with understaffing and recruitment challenges. Today, however, we are in a very different place. We have built a healthy, collaborative, and productive work environment grounded in professionalism, accountability, and teamwork. I am proud of the culture we’ve created and the direction we are heading.

We are seeking an attorney with litigation experience who is committed to public service and ready to step into meaningful courtroom work. If you’re interested — or know someone who might be — please reach out or apply through the County website.

— Prosecutor Deborah J. Davis

General Summary: The Assistant Prosecuting Attorney II represents the People of the State of Michigan on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorney in civil proceedings, administrative hearings, and criminal proceedings; and prosecutes cases in both District and Circuit Court. Reviews and authorizes request...