The Government Operations and Audit Committee of the South Dakota Legislature has posted their final report on the investigation into activities surrounding the EB-5 economic development program.

The committee had been looking into the mis-appropriation of at least a half million dollars in state funds, and the suicide of former state Economic Development Director Richard Benda.

The summary points to Benda as the lone culprit in the financial dealings.

Committee member Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says they did what they were directed to do…

 

Hunhoff says the death of Benda really ended the embezzlement scheme…

 

Hunhoff says the EB5 program operated for years with positive results for the state…

 

The report from GOAC also says the committee will introduce new financial control bills into the 2015 legislative session.