A busy man’s work is never done, but hopefully the workload gets a little bit of relief for Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz who has just added two new attorneys to the team, bringing the count to three thus far in 2019, bolstering efforts to keep cases advancing in a timely manner.
Earlier this year, Fitz added Devante McCullom, a 2019 graduate of the Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. McCullom, a Chicago native, joined the team at the end of April, and according to Fitz, “has hit the ground running, understanding the objectives of the office — doing justice and protecting the public.”
McCullom has been active in District, Circuit and Family Courts for Cass County, and Fitz notes, “His diligence and hard work are paying off, including a guilty verdict in his first jury trial in early September.”
McCullom brings to the office relevant experience, including an internship as a Judicial Law Clerk in Lansing, and similar law school service with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. He earned his undergraduate degree from Adrian College where he participated in numerous volunteer endeavors as well as traveled to New Zealand and Australia.
In addition to advocating for crime victims, McCullom says he is excited to become engaged in the community in a variety of ways including with the Dowagiac Rotary club.
Also joining the Prosecutor’s team as Assistant Prosecutor is Ryan Funk, a Port Huron native. Funk is familiar with Michigan’s Great Southwest, inasmuch as while growing up, his family frequently traveled to Cass County to visit relatives who have lived in here for five generations.
Stating that he has “always had a strong desire to serve the public,” Funk has compelling empathy for victims of crimes and their families. He says he looks forward to doing his part to keep the community safe, including support for the office’s concerted efforts to alleviate the methamphetamine issues challenging the region.
An attorney in both Michigan and Florida, Funk practiced in Jacksonville, Florida for five years before being offered his new position in Cass County. He has a strong background and experience working with youth, having taught English as a second language to Chinese students through remote access.
The third newcomer joining the prosecuting attorney’s office is Brent Rocheleau who is originally from Lapeer. He will serve as an intern. Rocheleau graduated from the University of Michigan – Flint and received his law degree in 2019 from the University of Oregon.
New to the area, Rocheleau enjoys the size of the community and, “intends to work hard to make the community proud.” He is looking forward to learning from Fitz, Chief Assistant Tiffiny Vohwinkle and other experienced assistant prosecutors on staff, as well as getting to know the area and the people better.
Rocheleau says that he chose this type of career because of his strong desire to protect the community and to work for an office that the community can turn to in order to help keep them safe.
Regarding his new hires, Prosecutor Fitz says, “They each have their nose to the grindstone. They are a trio of hard workers. We look forward to their valuable contributions to public safety and the Cass County community.”
