About the Cherokee County Attorney's Office
The Cherokee County Attorney is the chief criminal prosecuting authority for Cherokee County, Kansas. Operating from the historic Cherokee County Courthouse in Columbus, the office represents the State of Kansas in adult criminal cases, juvenile offender cases, and traffic matters arising in Cherokee County.
Our attorneys work closely with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, city police departments, and other law enforcement partners across the county. We review investigations, make charging decisions, prosecute cases in district court, and support the rights of crime victims throughout the process.
Our Mission
To pursue justice on behalf of the people of Cherokee County by faithfully and ethically enforcing the criminal laws of the State of Kansas, protecting the rights of crime victims, holding offenders accountable, and acting always with integrity, fairness, and respect for the communities we serve.
Our Attorneys
Addison Tucker
Assistant County AttorneyAddison Tucker serves as an Assistant County Attorney for Cherokee County, prosecuting criminal matters on behalf of the State of Kansas. In addition to adult criminal cases, she prosecutes juvenile offender cases and represents the State in Child in Need of Care (CINC) proceedings.
Ethan Manke
Assistant County AttorneyEthan Manke serves as an Assistant County Attorney for Cherokee County, prosecuting criminal matters on behalf of the State of Kansas.
Kurt Benecke
Cherokee County AttorneyKurt Benecke was elected as the Cherokee County Attorney by the Cherokee County Republican Central Committee on August 16, 2023, and subsequently appointed by Governor Laura Kelly. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Assistant County Attorney for nearly six years. He was reelected and sworn in for a new term on January 13, 2025.
Before joining the Cherokee County Attorney's Office, Kurt served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Jasper County, Missouri from 2010 to 2015.