Wisconsin Rapids Man Officially Charged for Fatal Hit and Run in Stevens Point

Monday, March 18th, 2024 -- 3:01 PM

Portage County District Attorney Cass Cousins announced that a Wisconsin Rapids man has been formally charged in connection to the fatal hit and run taking place on West River Drive in Stevens Point on March 5, 2024.

Kenneth L. Butler was charged in a Criminal Complaint filed today in Portage County Circuit Court with Hit and Run Causing Death, a Class D Felony, for which he could be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years of confinement in prison, and Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Vehicle, for which he could be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years of confinement in prison.

The defendant also can be fined, supervised by the Department of Corrections on Extended Supervision or Probation, and is subject to a mandatory five-year revocation of his operating privilege.

The defendant was arrested approximately one day later, on May 6, following an investigation by the Stevens Point Police Department. The speed with which the defendant was located and apprehended is a testament to the abilities and effectiveness of the officers and detectives of the SPPD.

It is also a testament to the willingness of members of the community to provide assistance to law enforcement to solve serious crimes. The defendant will appear again in circuit court on Monday, March 18 at 1:15 p.m.

He is presently being held on a $250,000 cash bond. The charges filed against the defendant are at this time allegations and the defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence until the charges are proven against him beyond a reasonable doubt.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.