The Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney, Susan K. Zuiderveen, recently released the 2025 Year-End Report, offering a transparent look at the county’s legal landscape. The data reveals a mix of challenges and positive developments, reflecting the complex realities of keeping our community safe.
Rising Caseloads and Areas of Concern
The Prosecutor’s Office saw an overall increase in their workload in 2025, with warrant requests submitted for review rising to 3,160, up from 2,824 in 2024. While the number of authorized felony cases slightly decreased, authorized misdemeanors jumped from 1,137 to 1,371.
Some of the most notable and concerning increases were seen in interpersonal violence and driving offenses:
- Domestic Violence: Misdemeanor domestic violence cases more than doubled, jumping from 137 in 2024 to 371 in 2025.
- Assault: Misdemeanor assault and battery cases nearly doubled, rising from 115 to 216. Additionally, felony assault with intent to murder rose from 2 to 13 cases.
- Drunk Driving: Misdemeanor drunk driving cases saw a notable increase, climbing from 161 to 256.
- Child Welfare: Abuse and neglect petitions filed with the DHHS spiked significantly, going from 42 new petitions in 2024 to 113 in 2025.
Where Are the Cases Happening?
When looking at where these cases originate, the 2025 data breaks down authorized cases across 26 different municipalities in Van Buren County. A significant portion of the caseload is concentrated in a few key areas, with the City of South Haven seeing the highest volume at 315 cases (accounting for 13% of the total), closely followed by the Village of Paw Paw with 298 cases (12%). Other areas requiring notable attention include South Haven Township with 163 cases, Antwerp with 131 cases, Hartford with 121 cases, and the Village of Decatur with 120 cases. On the opposite end of the spectrum, several communities saw very few authorized cases in 2025, such as Breedsville with just 2 cases and the Village of Bloomingdale with 8. This localized breakdown provides a clearer picture of exactly where the Prosecutor’s Office is actively dedicating its resources across the county.
Positive Trends and Decreases in Major Crimes
Despite the rise in total warrant requests, there is encouraging news regarding some severe felonies, showing that certain community safety efforts are paying off.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct: Felony criminal sexual conduct cases across all degrees saw a drastic reduction, dropping to nearly half of the previous year’s total (61 in 2025, down from 116 in 2024).
- Drug Offenses: Cases involving the possession and delivery of methamphetamine also saw a significant drop, falling from 193 in 2024 to 143 in 2025.
A Focus on Victim and Family Support
One of the most positive highlights of the 2025 report is the county’s dedication to supporting victims. The Prosecutor’s Office utilizes two victim advocates who help families navigate court hearings, assist with victim impact statements, track defendant releases, and connect victims with vital counseling, shelter, and food services.
Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center
Furthermore, the Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center, which opened its Hartford location in January 2023, continues to be a crucial resource. Before its opening, Van Buren County lacked its own center to properly conduct forensic interviews and aid families affected by criminal sexual conduct. In 2025, Safe Harbor conducted 121 forensic interviews on children (up from 103 in 2024) and provided dedicated advocates, counselors, and multidisciplinary team reviews for 38 open cases every month.
Looking Ahead
Through overseeing a rigorous trial schedule and managing specialty programs like Mental Health Court, Drug Court, and Family Reunification Court, the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office continues its ongoing mission: protecting citizens and victims across our county.
