Eva Yarger sworn in as Van Wert County juvenile and probate judge; Dillon Staas named acting prosecutor

The Van Wert County Juvenile and Probate Courtroom was packed Thursday afternoon, but not for a regular court session.

A short ceremony was held to swear in Eva Yarger, who was recently appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to fill the seat previously held by retired Judge Kevin Taylor. The oath was administered by Yarger’s nephew, Cleveland attorney Andrew Yarger. She officially begins her new duties Tuesday, February 17.

Following Yarger’s swearing in, assistant prosecutor Dillon Staas IV took the oath to become Van Wert County’s acting prosecutor. Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield administered the oath as family, friends, court staff, and law enforcement filled the courtroom in the Van Wert County Annex.

Yarger has served as county prosecutor since 2017 and has practiced law in Van Wert County for decades, including time in private practice and more than 20 years as an assistant prosecutor before becoming the elected prosecutor. She holds a political science degree from The Ohio State University and a law degree from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Yarger will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through February 2027. To keep the seat, she will run in the May 5 primary against local attorney and Van Wert County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum.

Staas was appointed acting prosecutor by the Van Wert County Commissioners. He said maintaining continuity is important with major criminal cases pending, and noted that he is working to fill a vacancy in the office. Yarger said she expects Staas to do well in the role.