Ionia Prosecutor Kyle Butler

10/07/2026

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Defendant, Trent Wesley Creighton, 53, of Clarksville, MI was sentenced to prison by Judge Schafer on the charge of Criminal S*xual Conduct 1st Degree. Although he received the greatest sentence he could pursuant to the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines, it nevertheless falls short of justice for his actions. Had his offense occurred on or after August 28, 2006 then he would have faced a mandatory 25-years in prison as that date is when Michigan law changed to include the mandatory 25-years punishment for conviction of such crime. With that, the Defendant will serve 45 months up to 25 years in prison for this offense. He will have to comply with the S*x Offender Registration Act, lifetime s*x offender registration, lifetime electronic monitoring, no contact with any minors, including anyone victimized by him as identified in the investigation.

21/05/2026

Today the charges brought by my office against Casey Wagner were dismissed. I did this to clear the way for his prosecution at the Federal level for his alleged involvement in this matter. I would like to thank the various investigating agencies for their collaboration with this investigation. The Ionia County Sheriff’s Department spearheaded the investigation with assistance from the Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives. I am confident that the US Attorney’s Office of the Western District will ensure justice is served and I am thankful for their cooperative work with the Ionia County Prosecutor's Office.

10/04/2026

Please see the below press release regarding Emergency Notifications.

31/03/2026

Today is a day of significant reflection for me. Ten-years ago, I was appointed to be the Prosecutor for Ionia County. March 30, 2016, was the beginning of a journey that I hadn’t even necessarily planned on embarking on when I first became an Assistant Prosecutor, but it felt right. It felt just as right as when I was in high school and decided to go to MSU—Go Green! It felt just as right as when I decided to relocate to Colorado just after graduating MSU (where I met my future wife). It felt just as right when I returned to MSU for law school and then moved to Portland to start a career and family. Over the years I have learned to listen to my gut and to trust what feels right.

For well over a year I’ve been presented with a significant consideration. It is a consideration that is saddening to even be presented with considering the manner and reason it is even coming about. I have had many people whose opinion and input I greatly value reach out to encourage I consider this situation. I have deeply considered the matter and I can say with absolute confidence that it just feels right to continue as the Prosecutor for Ionia County. I strongly believe that I am in this position for a reason and have many reasons to remain so at this time.

I am honored and humbled with the encouragement and support I have received about pursuing the seat Judge Kreeger will leave on the 8th Circuit Court bench when this year ends. Perhaps someday, I will leave this position as Prosecutor for another, and perhaps that will be for the bench, but not until the time feels right.

Until then, I will continue on with my third term giving Ionia County my all and help guide law enforcement to deliver the best justice possible. Thank you all for your support.

06/03/2026

On Thursday, 3/5, after about 45 minutes of deliberation, a jury found Defendant Adam Trahan of Saranac guilty of Felonious Assault and Reckless Driving. Prosectuor Butler ran the trial and the Public Defender represented the Defendant. Despite the obstacles and challenges in the case and trial, the jury saw through it rather quickly and delivered justice. He'll be sentenced in 4-6 weeks.

Lesson hopefully learned: Don't intentionally hit people with your car.

06/02/2026

The Ionia Prosecutor’s Office is hiring! See below for job description and how to apply.

27/01/2026

Ryan Burton was recently sentenced by the Ionia 8th Circuit Court to serve 10-25 years with MDOC after being convicted of three counts of Criminal S*xually Abusive Activity and one count of Criminal S*xual Conduct 2nd degree. He will be placed on the S*x Offender Registration for life and will be electronically monitored for life.

The Defendant presented himself as a loving and caring person. He fooled the mother of the victim and he fooled his own family. Yet he perpetrated these crimes literally under their noses in the basement of the home he was living. He had no prior criminal activity that would have even suggested that he is a s*xual predator. These people walk among the innocent and prey on them for their own sick and twisted pleasure, they have zero understanding or empathy as to how their actions will impact the victim and others. Society can only be protected if individuals like this are removed from society and that’s exactly what happened here. This office secured a punishment at the top of his sentencing guidelines without having to re-victimize the child by putting her through a trial. This could not have been possible if not for the good work by the FBI and the assistance of MSP.

06/01/2026

Argued on behalf of the People at the Court of Appeals today. Doing what I can to support justice and a victim of a terrible crime. It’s an honor to have that responsibility and I’m thankful the COA decided to hear the case. Definitely an uphill battle, but one I’ll take on.

09/12/2025

If you live in Ionia or Montcalm and are interested in getting involved, check this out!

The IM SAFE CAC is interested in diversifying its board. Do you have a passion for helping children who are victims of child abuse in Montcalm and Ionia Counties? If you're a resident of Ionia and/or Montcalm County, and are available the 4th Friday of each month (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, and Nov) from 8:30am-10:00am, we want to hear from you! You can send a letter of interest and a copy of your resume to Lori Kirkhoff at [email protected]. You will be required to pass a background check and be approved by the current board.

IM SAFE CAC is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, age, height, weight, familial status, partisan consideration, genetic information, color, religion, s*x, s*x characteristics, pregnancy, s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, socio-economic status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and state law.