The Dakota Scout is reporting this afternoon that, after the dust has settled, former Dakota News Now reporter Austin Goss ended up with monetary penalties and an apology after spoofing Governor Kristi Noem’s phone number in a crank call to GOP Chair (at the time) Dan Lederman.
As part of the plea arraignment and sentence, Goss will issue an apology to Dan Lederman, who was the departing chairman of the South Dakota Republican Party when he received the robocall that appeared to be coming from Noem’s personal cellphone.
Goss will pay $578 in fines and court costs.
The story also notes that Goss was granted a suspended imposition of sentence, which will seal the charge and conviction.
Not a huge shocker.
Austin’s lawyer says Austin considered Dan Lederman a friend.
~ Austin’s lawyer says Austin considered Dan Lederman a friend. ~
Lawyers are paid to take sides.
Anonymous at 3:31…
That’s not good. Reporters should be on good terms with authorities and politicians, but never, ever be friends with them. Back in the day, the only thing I expected of sources was public record information — no special on-the-side stuff — and truthfulness. If they lied, I made sure they knew I would write about it. Result: Everything stayed above board.
So friendly the prank remained anonymous until law enforcement intervened…
That does not sound friendly.
Does anyone know why the highway patrol mediated this?
Apology to Lederman, but not to Noem.
Pathetic.