COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Prosecutor’s Office is once again shorthanded.
Prosecutor Valerie White is scheduled to appear before the Branch County Board of Commissioners during their work session Tuesday to request permission to hire an Assistant Prosecutor immediately.
In a letter written to the county last Monday, White said Scott Smith “has been released from his employment with the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office.” No reason was given as to why Smith is no longer an Assistant Prosecutor.
With Smith’s departure, that leaves the office with just two prosecutors again. Zachary W. Stempien was hired as Chief Assistant Prosecutor just a couple of weeks ago.
Commissioners will also be requested Tuesday by Juvenile Court Administrator Zachary Rusk to hire a replacement for the Youth Specialist position after a previous employee was terminated March 8.


