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Myrene’s Service Record and Accomplishments

Father thanks Koch for bringing justice to murdered daughter

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"On December 10, 2007 my 19 year old daughter was murdered in Allegan County. Shortly thereafter was when I met, at the time, assistant prosecuting attorney Myrene Koch. She was in charge of prosecuting the creep who blew the lives of my family to Smithereens. From day 1 we were treated with kindness, compassion, and Professionalism.  

 

We waited 1 year for the case to go to trial. The trial lasted 5-7 days. The jury found the defendant guilty of all charges. We then waited 14 more months for sentencing. The defendant was sentenced to the maximum allowable per Michigan law. I am convinced this would not have been the case if Myrene Koch had not prosecuted this case. I found out very quickly how the rights of the criminals seem to go above the victims in the court process. Through all of the trial, the long stretches of waiting for the next step in the process Myrene was there for us and always accessible for questions, frustrations, or just a kind ear for my venting.

 

She wasn't at all intimidated by what I call the fancy defense attorney who, in my opinion, wanted to have the defendant not take responsibility. Myrene wants criminals to be penalized to the fullest and not given a plea deal to speed up the court process.

 

In closing, as just a Dad who never thought myself or my family would go through such grief there is no person more passionate or qualified to get justice for victims and their families than Myrene.
 

Thank you, Mark Knight."

SLC-Koch2020-Lindsay night with family (

  • Board of Director member of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Association; one of 12 Prosecutors elected by other Prosecutors in the state; gives Allegan County a voice at the state level. 

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  • Elected Chief of the Allegan County Law Enforcement Council for 2019 and 2020 by Allegan County law enforcement leaders.

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  • Named Allegan County Child Advocate of the Year award 2019

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  • Obtained Victim’s Rights Grant increase of approx. $42,000 for 3 year period; allowing for additional services for victims and a part time additional victim advocate at no cost to county taxpayers. 

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  • Reallocated funds the county would have contributed to the state mandated victims’ rights services to a part time administrative assistant without extra cost to the county.

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  • Obtained grant for Canine Advocate, Joey, who helps victims and sit with children when they testify in court to help alleviate their anxiety. Joey’s cost of the dog and upkeep was covered by a grant. He received over $40,000 worth of training from the Canine Advocate Program and Leader Dogs for the Blind – all at no cost to the county. 

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  • Instructor for Pros Attorney Assoc of Michigan statewide trainings regarding child abuse, sexual assault, forensic interviewing, recantation, preparing for court, alternative protective measures for children’s testimony. Recently had one of the largest audiences (over 500 people registered) for a live webinar regarding child abuse.

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  • Member of a statewide group that works on child abuse protocol and training opportunities.

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  • Revised the Allegan County Protocol on Child Abuse, along with co-revisors of the DHHS Director for Allegan/Barry, Tim Click, and the Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center Director, Lori Antkoviak.

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  • Fiscally responsible: both 2018 and 2019 came in under budget even while replacing/updating some office equipment; projected for 2020 to do the same.

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  • Refreshed the office lobby with gently used furniture from county storage and a little bit of paint.

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  • Updated and dedicated our victim waiting room and dedicated it to late Trooper Ray Hoffman, a mentor and leader in the area for child abuse cases.

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  • Held annual Victim’s Right’s Ceremonies bringing public awareness regarding victims, services, and helping the community.

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  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to write a Safe Schools initiative/pledge to partner with schools on education and safety.

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  • Authored a letter for schools to send home signed by Prosecutor, Sheriff, local police departments, and school Superintendent to bring awareness to the issues involved with school safety and threats to schools.

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  • Prepared and provided multiple trainings to law enforcement agencies, DHHS personnel, and other agency professionals in the county.

 

  • During current COVID crisis, exhibited dedication and leadership for being present in the office every single day while staff worked staggered shifts partly from home, office; advised law enforcement, local municipalities, and citizens regarding the executive orders. Agreed with law enforcement leaders on a plan to provide warnings to citizens and businesses when violating the orders.

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  • Worked with county groups to review & verify case law cited for the 2nd  Amendment Sanctuary County status.

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  • Worked with Health Dept & other local officials to initiate a regional roundtable to combat methamphetamine.

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  • Member AAESA (Allegan Area educational Service Agency) Safe Schools Collaborative

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  • Co-Chair of the Allegan County Coordinating Council on Domestic Violence; co-creator of the “Wear Purple Event” to bring awareness to domestic violence

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  • Vice President, Board of Directors, Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center

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  • Former Vice President, Board of Directors Sylvia’s Place Domestic Violence Agency

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  • Chair Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Board

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  • Chair Child Abuse Case review

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  • Member Child Death Review Team

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  • Member Community Corrections Advisory Board

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  • Active Executive member Allegan GOP

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  • Member Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 

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  • Volunteer fundraisers for Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center

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  • Volunteer Allegan Public Schools career day and school social events

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  • Guide/speaker for schools in court.

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