October 14, 2008
 

    LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that nine Northern Michigan counties will continue to be served by special domestic violence prosecutors through a partnership between the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (MDVPTB) and the Attorney General's office.  Cox and the MDVPTB provided the funding after the federal grant paying for the Attorney General's Domestic Violence Homicide Unit expired on September 30, 2008. 
 

    "Domestic violence is a terrible crime that leaves a lasting effect on all of its victims," said Cox.  "I am proud to announce that by pairing up with the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, we will be able to continue putting violent offenders where they belong: behind bars."
 

    Cox created the unit in January 2004 to assist county prosecutors in exclusively prosecuting domestic violence crimes.  After the federal grant expired, Cox worked closely with the MDVPTB to find a way to keep this vital program running.  As a result, the Attorney General's office and the MDVPTB will split the costs, extending the program for an additional year.
 

    "The board is very pleased to see this important work continue," said Mary Beth Kur, a member of the MDVPTB and a former Charlevoix County prosecuting attorney.  "With their large number of successful prosecutions, these specialized attorneys have become a real deterrent to potential offenders."
 

    Since its inception, the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Unit has prosecuted more than 3,615 cases, resulting in more than 3,220 convictions.
 

    The unit consists of the following Special Assistant Attorney Generals (SAAG's):

• SAAG Kerry Zahnder, serving Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties.
   

• SAAG Erin House, serving Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Antrim counties.
   

• SAAG James Deamud, serving Otsego, Roscommon, and Ogemaw counties.

    "I would also like to thank the following Prosecuting Attorneys for joining with my office in order to fight domestic violence: Charles Koop, Antrim County; John Jarema, Charlevoix County; Mickey Castagne, Cheboygan County; James Linderman, Emmett County; Al Schneider, Grand Traverse County; Joseph Hubbell, Leelanau County; LaDonna Schultz, Ogemaw County; Kyle Legel, Otsego County; and Mark Jernigan, Roscommon County," continued Cox.  "By working together, our offices will continue to target those who commit domestic violence."
 

    If you are a victim or know someone who is a victim of domestic violence, help is available.  Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or TTD 1-800-787-3224.

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