PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that two state prison inmates have been indicted on charges, including Attempted First Degree Murder, for their attack on two state correctional officers Aug. 24, 2023 at the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
A Minnehaha County Grand Jury Tuesday indicted inmates Lester M. Monroe, 48, and Kyle L. Jones, 30, for Attempted First Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer and Aggravated Assault Against a Department of Corrections Employee. The Attempted First Degree Murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The Aggravated Assault charges carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Jones also was indicted on a charge of Simple Assault Against a Department of Corrections Employee involving a second correctional officer. The charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison and a $4,000 fine.
The first correctional officer was assaulted by the two inmates in Unit D of the Jameson Annex. The second officer was attacked when they arrived to help their colleague. Both officers were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released.
The State Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. The Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution.
Inmates Monroe and Jones are being held at the State Penitentiary.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – An elderly Pennington County resident fell victim to a scam which resulted in the loss of over $100,000 in gold and currency. Once law enforcement was notified and following a subsequent investigation, 31-year-old Abdul Waheed Mohammed was arrested in Rapid City on September 26, 2023.
Mohammed was caught after posing as a member of law enforcement attempting to fraudulently demand money be paid in exchange for the resolution of false warrants.
Mohammed is not a South Dakota resident. Law enforcement is still working to determine where he resides. He has been charged with grand theft, theft by deception, conspiracy to commit grand theft, aiding and abetting or advising grand theft, and abuse of an elder adult.
“Due to the unfortunate frequency and predatory nature of these crimes, this is an important arrest.” Lieutenant Paul Stevens continues, “Our investigative team is happy we were able to stop further losses from this victim and make this arrest.”
Local law enforcement would like to remind the public to be aware of these types of scams. The Pennington County Warrants Division generally does not solicit over the phone to collect warrants or fees. Any time you get a call from law enforcement demanding or soliciting money over the phone, you should be skeptical.
Hang up and call law enforcement directly at (605) 394-6117. Do not fall for these scams! Anyone can confirm if you have an outstanding warrant by looking on the website: www.pennco.org/warrantsearch.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Assisting agencies with the arrest include South Dakota Highway Patrol and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Homeland Security Investigations is involved with the investigation.
GARRETSON, S.D. – The Garretson School District is working towards a more eco-friendly future with the arrival of three new electric school buses on Friday.
The busses come from the Federal Government’s Clean School Bus Program, which provided $3.6 million to the Garretson School District and five other districts across the state to purchase the buses and install charging infrastructure.
The advantages of electric buses include lower fuel and maintenance costs, a quieter, more peaceful ride, advanced safety features, and zero tailpipe emissions.
The buses are set to be delivered on Friday morning at the Garretson Bus Garage.
The Hansen, DeSmet, and Lower Brule School Districts received funding for one electric bus, while the Viborg-Hurley and Sioux Valley School Districts will have two new buses.
PIERRE, SD – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Wednesday that Trevor Harrison of Yankton was sentenced Monday to 85 years in prison, with 20 years suspended, after he earlier pleaded guilty to one count of First Degree Manslaughter.
According to Attorney General Jackley, Harrison was indicted in the 2022 shooting death of his former girlfriend at Yankton home. He later pleaded guilty to the one charge.
Harrison also will have to pay restitution.
“This sentence brings resolution to a violent crime and perhaps some comfort to the victim’s family,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I want to thank all of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who worked to bring justice in this case.”
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and Yankton Police Department were involved in the investigation.
Prosecution of the case was handled by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and Yankton County State’s Attorney’s Office.
