Full Circle Moment: Coldwater Prosecutor Moves to Bench
COLDWATER, MI — A full-circle moment marked Monday's ceremony when Zachary W. Stempien was officially sworn in as the 15th Circuit Court Judge in Calhoun County.
The ceremony was presided over by Probate Judge Kirk Kashian and follows Stempien's appointment by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge William O'Grady.
"We cannot express our gratitude enough to Zach for his service to our community, both as prosecutor and as a friend," said Probate Judge Kirk Kashian at the ceremony. "His appointment to the bench is a testament to his dedication to the rule of law and his commitment to serving the people of Calhoun County."
While Judge Stempien's judicial duties officially begin on April 13, he took the oath early to comply with state law, pledging to handle every case with fairness, integrity, and respect.
A Legal Career That Began at Western Michigan Cooley Law School
Stempien's transition to the bench marks a full-circle moment for his legal career, which began as a law clerk for Judge O'Grady while he was a student at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.
A 2007 graduate of Coldwater High School, Stempien previously served as the county's elected prosecuting attorney since 2020. During his tenure as the top law enforcement official, he handled high-profile felony cases and successfully argued before the Michigan Supreme Court.
His legal journey traces back through the same courthouse he now leads as judge. As a law student, he clerked for O'Grady, and as a prosecutor, he worked alongside many of the same legal professionals who have now watched him ascend to the bench.
"Zachary has been a steadfast champion of justice throughout his career," said a Calhoun County official familiar with his work. "His transition from prosecutor to judge reflects his deep understanding of the legal system and his commitment to fair outcomes for all who come before him."
Prosecutorial Duties Shift as Judge Takes Bench
With Stempien moving to the bench, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Norma Geiger will assume prosecutorial duties until a permanent successor is appointed. Because of the timing of the vacancy, the prosecuting attorney seat will now appear on the November 2026 ballot for the remainder of the term.
Stempien himself has already filed to run for a full six-year term as Circuit Court Judge and will appear on the same ballot as the incumbent. This means he's already positioning himself for a potential full term in the position he's just assumed.
"I believe in the importance of strong leadership within our judicial system," Stempien said during the swearing-in ceremony. "Having served as a prosecutor, I understand the challenges faced by law enforcement, victims, and defendants. I'm committed to bringing that perspective to my role as judge."
Community Impact
The appointment comes at a time when Calhoun County continues to face complex legal challenges, from drug crimes and domestic violence to economic development and public safety issues.
During his time as prosecuting attorney, Stempien handled numerous high-profile cases that made headlines across Southwest Michigan. His background as a Coldwater native who attended local high school before earning his legal credentials adds a layer of community connection to his judicial role.
The ceremony drew local officials, law enforcement representatives, and community members who have followed Stempien's legal career throughout the years.
"It's been a privilege to watch Zach's legal journey from law student to prosecutor to judge," said a local attorney who has known Stempien for decades. "His dedication to our legal system has been evident throughout his career."
What Comes Next
Stempien's judicial duties will officially commence on April 13, giving him a brief transition period to prepare for his new responsibilities as a judge. His first cases will likely involve criminal matters that have come before him during his time as prosecuting attorney, though he'll need to recuse himself from those specific cases.
The 15th Circuit Court, based in Coldwater, handles a wide range of legal matters including criminal cases, family law, probate matters, and civil disputes. Stempien's appointment adds another layer of experienced legal leadership to the Calhoun County judiciary.
"Having Zachary on the bench gives us a judge who truly understands the criminal justice system from the inside," said a Calhoun County official. "His background as a prosecutor means he'll be able to hear cases with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement and victims."
Stempien's swearing-in ceremony concluded with a traditional judicial oath, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his distinguished legal career.