Prosecutor

The Office of the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney is charged with the responsibility of representing the State of Indiana in all felony and misdemeanor criminal prosecutions, resulting from crimes committed within Wayne County, Indiana. The Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney also conducts criminal investigations, convenes and supervises Grand Jury proceedings, enforces child support orders entered in divorce and paternity cases, prosecutes traffic and other infraction violations of state law, conducts juvenile adjudications and prosecutions, and provides information and assistance to the victims of crime.

The Prosecuting Attorney is the chief law enforcement officer of Wayne County, utilizing local law enforcement agencies including the Richmond Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police, Hagerstown Police Department, Centerville Police Department, as well as Town Marshals and Deputies in Fountain City, Dublin, and Greensfork.

The Prosecuting Attorney and Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are law enforcement officers under Indiana law.

Michael Shipman became the elected Prosecuting Attorney in 2005. Prior to his election to office, Mr. Shipman held the positions of Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Shipman has appointed the following attorneys to positions within the office:

Ashley Green, Chief Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to Superior Court I

Cris Gonzalez, Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to Circuit Court

Kayla Welch, Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to Superior Court II

Kayla Short, Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to Superior Court III and Juvenile Delinquency

Nicole Bauerle, Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to Superior Court III and Juvenile Delinquency

Jerry Ragland, Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to screening and charging

David (Lonnie) McClintock, Deputy Prosecutor – assigned to Child Support Division

CRIMINAL DIVISION - Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor cases in four Wayne County Courts. Includes all criminal offenses, ranging from Public Intoxication to Capital Murder.

CHILD SUPPORT DIVISION (Webpage) - Responsible for the enforcement of child support orders in divorce and paternity cases. In appropriate cases, blood tests are performed and paternity actions are filed. Contact: David McClintock, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at (765) 973-9285.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - The Victim Assistance Program serves as an advocate for victims, keeping them informed on the progress of their case through the criminal justice system, assisting in the application for crime victim compensation, and acting as a liaison with other social service agencies. Contact: Rebecca Studebaker, Victim Assistance Coordinator at (765) 973-9394.

CHECK DECEPTION - Local merchants and private individuals in receipt of checks, returned for insufficient funds or on a closed account, are provided direction and assistance for collection. In the event payment is not received after notice, the case may be referred to a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the filing of criminal charges. Contact: Cheray Krick at (765) 973-9394.

JUVENILES - Indiana law generally requires that crimes committed by those under the age of eighteen (18) years be treated differently. A Delinquency Petition (similar to a criminal charging information for adults) may be filed if a child under eighteen (18) years of age commits a crime or is considered a truant, runaway, or incorrigible. All Delinquency Petitions are filed in Wayne Superior Court III and are supervised by the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Contact Ken Kouns at (765) 973-9394.

PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM - Pre-Trial Diversion is a program offered by the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney. It is designed for first-time offenders who commit misdemeanor crimes. A first-time offender is required to pay a program fee in addition to any restitution owed to the victim of the crime. The offender will be required to complete community service. If alcohol or drugs contributed to the crime, counseling or education will be required. If the offender pays all ordered fees and/or restitution and completes all requirements of the program, the case may be dismissed after six (6) months. If you do not complete requirements of the program, your case will be re-docketed and you will have to go back to court to face the criminal charge.