GOVERNOR LARRY RHODEN COMMITS FUNDING TO REVIVE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR INMATESG
PIERRE, S.D. (Joshua Haiar / South Dakota Searchlight) – South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is giving new life to a training program for inmates that was shelved recently.
“Being Open for Opportunity means investing in people and believing in second chances,” Rhoden said in a statement Monday, referencing a slogan he often uses to promote economic development.
The program will bring on-site instruction to the state penitentiary so inmates can earn a certificate to work on diesel heavy equipment.
Last August, the Department of Corrections and Southeast Technical College got approval from the state Board of Technical Education to expand the college’s diesel program to the penitentiary.
Officials later decided to shelve the initiative due to a lack of funding and concerns over how it would fit into the still-developing plans for construction of a new men’s prison at an undetermined site.
Rhoden announced Monday that he will provide $1.5 million for the training program from the Future Fund, a pot of economic development money under the exclusive control of the governor.
Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko praised the program’s reinstatement.
“Education is one of the best ways to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism,” Wasko said in a statement. “These programs give people purpose, build skills, and strengthen families and communities across South Dakota.”
The diesel training program will fill a void left by Metal Craft Industries, a privately operated prison shop that employed inmates at market wages. The company said it was pushed out of the prison system last year by administrators. Wasko has said the company left voluntarily to avoid adhering to newer, stricter security protocols.
The Future Fund, which Rhoden is tapping to provide money for the training program, is supported by a surcharge on employer payroll taxes. State law says the fund is for “purposes related to research and economic development for the state.”
Some of former Gov. Kristi Noem’s uses of the fund were controversial. That included money to build a state-owned shooting range that the Legislature refused to fund, a workforce recruitment ad campaign starring Noem, a “Governor’s Cup” rodeo that included Noem carrying in the American flag on horseback, and a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore.
ATTORNEY GENERAL JACKLEY BRINGS PENITENTIARY RELATED CHARGES FOR DRUGS AND RIOTS
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, alongside Attorney General Marty Jackley, announced charges on Tuesday relating to several incidents at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
As Jackley took the podium with the DCI team behind him, charges were announced regarding recent deaths and overdoses.
Jackley also revealed the cause of the May 27 riot.
“As Attorney General, if a crime is committed in the walls of the penitentiary, it will be investigated and it will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Jackley said.
Inmate Manarian Fuse faces up to 70 years for providing another inmate with a controlled substance, resulting in death.
“This is related to the February 6, 2025, overdose death of Anthony Richards. The substance involved in this case is K2. Specifically, it was paper laced with K2,” Jackley explained.
Melibu Ross faces charges of distribution of a controlled substance, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.
The hand-off allegedly took place during an inmate visit.
“Involves the May 15, 2025, overdose death of inmate Jason Garreau. The substances involved in this case are methamphetamine and cocaine,” Jackley said.
The riot on May 27 is believed to be a coordinated event.
“Ultimately, 14 inmates were treated for injuries, 4 inmates were hospitalized. With respect to 30 of the inmates involved, they’re affiliated to 9 separate gangs,” Jackley explained.
Two more overdose deaths are under investigation, and other cases remain open in previous years up to the statute of limitations of seven years.
“The Department of Corrections Special Investigative Unit assisted us in a lot of that process, but it’ll it’ll range from video to forensic testing. To witness interviews,” Jackley said.
Jackley explained that inmates can be charged as either a habitual offender or a double maximum sentence compared to those not incarcerated. In this case, the double length was chosen.
FIRST WEST NILE DETECTIONS OF THE SEASON FOUND IN BOTH ABERDEEN AND MINNEHAHA COUNTY
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed the first West Nile virus mosquito pools of the season have been detected in Minnehaha County. Officials urge individuals across the state to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families against WNV, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, rash, swollen lymph nodes and muscle and joint aches.
“Given the rural nature of our state and increased outdoor activities during the summer, protecting yourself against mosquito bites remains an important factor against West Nile infection,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, State Epidemiologist for the Department of Health. “Using bug spray or limiting activities between dusk-to-dawn hours can reduce your infection risk significantly.”
Prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of WNV by taking the following precautions:
Apply mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus 2-undecanone, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535) to clothes and exposed skin. Limit exposure by wearing pants and long sleeves in the evening.
Limit time outdoors from dusk to midnight when mosquitoes are most active. Culex tarsalis is the primary carrier of WNV in South Dakota.
Remove standing water that provides mosquitoes with a breeding ground. Regularly change the water in birdbaths, outside pet dishes, and drain water from other flowerpots and garden containers. Also, avoid areas near standing water.
Support local mosquito control efforts.
Personal precautions are especially important for those at high risk for severe illness from WNV – people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, transplant patients, individuals with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. Individuals experiencing fever with headache, muscle aches, or rash should consult their physician. South Dakota has reported more than 2,864 human cases and 54 deaths since WNV was first reported in 2002. Every county has reported cases.
WOMAN CHARGED AS ACCESSORY IN BLOOMFIELD DOUBLE-HOMICIDE SENTENCED
OMAHA, NE (WOWT) – A woman who was charged in connection to a double homicide in Bloomfield was sentenced to prison on Tuesday.
Kaylynn Sweazy, 29, pled guilty on March 12 and was sentenced to attempted tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a felony, a total of 2-7 years in prison. It was not clear according to court records if the sentences run consecutively or concurrently.
Prosecutors alleged Sweazy aided Alias Reed, 26, in hiding a shotgun after he allegedly killed Curtis Strom, 77, and William Reffett, 49, on Feb. 20, 2024.
Reed has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony.
Investigators said Sweazy went with Reed to dispose of the shotgun on a gravel road and later told authorities where to find it.
Reed’s jury trial is scheduled for July 14 in Knox County. He faces life in prison and possibly the death penalty if convicted of murder.
Bloomfield is located in eastern Knox County and has a population of a little over 1,000.
