For the Gazette

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers recently announced the appointment of Cass Cousins as Portage County District Attorney.

The appointment fills a vacancy created by former District Attorney Louis Molepske’s election to the Portage County Circuit Court. Cousins will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2025.

“Cass Cousins is a distinguished prosecutor committed to treating everyone who interacts with the criminal justice system with dignity and respect,” Evers said. “His experience, the strong relationships he has built in the community, and his dedication to ensuring fair and just outcomes that protect the public and meet the rehabilitative needs of the offender will make him an excellent district attorney for the people of Portage County.”

“Cousins has been a prosecutor his entire legal career, having tried over 100 jury trials. From 2011 to 2018, he served as an assistant district attorney in Portage County. During this time, he prosecuted serious and complex cases such as first degree intentional homicide, first degree sexual assault of a child, and conspiracy to deliver controlled substances. He was also involved in the development and implementation of a drug court and internal diversion program. Since 2018, Cousins has served as an assistant attorney general in the Criminal Litigation Unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice. In this position, he prosecutes criminal offenses related to drug overdose deaths and complex drug trafficking conspiracies,” a release from Evers office stated.

“Governor Evers has made an excellent choice in appointing Cass Cousins as Portage County District Attorney,” said Portage County Circuit Court Judge Thomas B. Eagon. “Cass is intelligent, thoughtful, and a skilled attorney who has earned the respect of those in the justice community. Cass has served Portage County for many years and is a proven leader who will assure all persons are treated fairly.”

Cousins lives in Stevens Point with his family and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. In 2018, he was recognized by the Wisconsin District Attorneys Association as the “Assistant District Attorney of the Year.”

“In the community, he has judged moot court competitions and served as a mentor for students considering attending law school or becoming a prosecutor. He also has extensive experience training law enforcement and prosecutors on a broad range of topics,” the release added.

“I am extremely honored to accept the appointment by Governor Evers to serve as Portage County District Attorney,” said Cousins. “The attorneys and staff in this office are a particularly dedicated and effective team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join them and continue their tradition of prosecutorial excellence. I am also excited to continue the outstanding collaboration with our excellent law enforcement agencies and other community partners. As district attorney, I will be committed to serving our community with fairness, openness, and the diligent pursuit of justice.”