CHAD DEROUIN

CRYSTAL FALLS — A chief assistant prosecuting attorney in Oceana County has been appointed Iron County’s next prosecutor.

Chad DeRouin will succeed Melissa Powell effective May 28, according to a news release from 41st Circuit Court judges Mary Barglind and Christopher Ninomiya.

DeRouin has been the chief assistant prosecuting attorney in Oceana County for more than four years and came highly recommended by Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon and Oceana County judges, the news release stated.

DeRouin is a veteran of the U.S. Army honorably discharged in 2006. He has handled many misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile delinquency matters and child protection cases, according to the release. DeRouin reportedly also has a significant amount of experience with criminal jury trials and a broad base of experience.

“I would like to thank Judge Barglind and Judge Ninomiya for giving me the opportunity to become the next prosecuting attorney of Iron County,” DeRouin stated in the release. “I look forward to serving the county’s residents.”

Judges Barglind and Ninomiya interviewed several candidates for the position before selecting DeRouin. State law requires circuit court judges appoint a prosecuting attorney when a vacancy occurs.

Powell announced her resignation April 6 after nearly 15 years as prosecutor. She has taken a position in the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office.

“(Powell) has been a diligent, hardworking, fair and extremely competent prosecutor and she will be difficult to replace,” the judges stated.