Attorney General Jackley Announces Ex-State Employee Pleads Guilty, is Sentenced For Using Family-Use Voucher for Personal Use

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a former South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) employee was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to using a DSS grocery voucher, intended for families in need, for personal use.

Amalia Escalante Barrientos, 28, of Brookings pleaded guilty Monday in Brookings County Circuit County to one misdemeanor count of Obtaining Money, Property or Assistance by Fraud from Social Services or Related Programs. She was then sentenced to 180 days in jail, all suspended; a $400 fine, $96.50 in court costs, and $449.98 in restitution

“This is another example of an individual using their power to abuse their position for personal gain, hurting those in need and the reputation of hard-working state employees,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute cases to regain the public’s trust in state government.”

An investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) found that the defendant had used the voucher, which is provided by DSS to families the department works with, to purchase groceries for her own personal use. The incident occurred at a Brookings business on Oct. 11, 2024.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigated the case and the Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case.

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State Representative Will Mortenson had some comments after what he remarked was the largest crowd he’d seen in a crackerbarrel in over 5 years in Highmore, SD. And he’s indicating they spoke with a singular voice to demand “No Vouchers!”

Mortenson also remarked that the public is fired up to protect their schools and students.

Larry Rhoden to be Sworn In as 34^thGovernor of South Dakota

Larry Rhoden announced his plans to be sworn in as the 34th Governor of South Dakota. The oath of office will be administered on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11:00 am CT/10:00 am MT by Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen in the Governor’s Office. The brief ceremony will be open to the press.

 A larger, public swearing-in ceremony will be held on February 8, 2025, in the State Capitol Rotunda. That ceremony will be open to the public and will be followed with a Capitol Ball that evening in the State Capitol Rotunda.

With Governor Noem’s resignation, and Larry Rhoden preparing for being sworn in, the biggest question remaining is who will he pick as lieutenant governor?

There are lots of names being floated around, but the top three I keep hearing over and over are State Representative Tony Venhuizen, former lieutenant governor Matt Michels, and former State Representative/Sioux Falls City Council member Christine Erickson.

The pick may come from this group, as they all offer certain skills and advantages, or it may be none of the above.

Who will the next lieutenant governor be? You may start your speculation …now!

There are so many congratulations being offered today to Kristi Noem for her confirmation to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, it’s hard to keep up with them all, but I will try to flag a few of them for you:

Congratulations to fellow South Dakotan @KristiNoem on being confirmed as secretary of Homeland Security. I know she’s ready to get to work for President Trump and the American people. pic.twitter.com/zH2NqoldEG

— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) January 25, 2025

South Dakota is punching above its weight, a true testament to our people. Best wishes to Kristi Noem in her new role as Secretary of Homeland Security. pic.twitter.com/CktiRaSm9R

— Senator Mike Rounds (@SenatorRounds) January 25, 2025

.@KristiNoem has been a great friend to Sioux Falls and to me personally. I wish her all the best as she leads the Department of Homeland Security in the important work that lies ahead for our country. pic.twitter.com/yaQEpVx6Os

— Paul TenHaken (@paultenhaken) January 25, 2025

🇺🇸@KristiNoem‘s confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security underscores President Trump’s commitment to strengthening our nation’s security.

America is BACK. pic.twitter.com/1vret7C9sM

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 25, 2025

Kristi Noem is going to be an INCREDIBLE leader for our DHS.

After four years of the WORST Secretary in American history, she’s got plenty of work cut out for her… but I’ve got no doubt she will quickly turn the situation around.

I’m excited to work with her in making our… pic.twitter.com/QyFUAM2rNk

— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) January 25, 2025

In a year end report that is being filed through his state political action committee, Congressman Dusty Johnson is reporting that through Dusty PAC, that this branch of his campaign effort put nearly $50k into the campaign against Amendment G in the last few weeks of October.

The PAC will be reporting $41.5k spent on a mailer in opposition to the Amendment, and nearly $6.3k on radio.

Congressman Johnson is considered a strong pro-life advocate, with high ratings from groups, including an A+ from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

Governor Rhoden Sheds Light on Transition Preparations

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden shed light on his preparations to assume office as the 34th Governor of South Dakota.

“Until now, I have kept my extensive preparations for this succession to myself. I would have loved to have spoken openly sooner, but the time was not yet appropriate,” said Governor Rhoden. “South Dakotans should rest assured that I’m ready to serve as your Governor.”

Succession planning began shortly after President Trump announced his nomination of Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in November. Rhoden held months of briefings and meetings with Noem and a number of current and former state officials and friends. Cabinet and staff fully cooperated with Rhoden’s preparation efforts.

A photograph of Governor Rhoden can be found here.

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Attorney General Jackley Statement on U.S. Senate Confirmation Of Gov. Kristi Noem and New Governor Larry Rhoden

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s statement on Saturday’s U.S. Senate confirmation of Gov. Kristi Noem to be U.S. Homeland Security Director and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden becoming South Dakota’s newest Governor:

“Congratulations to Gov. Kristi Noem on being confirmed as Homeland Security Director. She understands the need to keep America safe, address immigration, and secure the southern border to keep dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine from entering states. We look forward to working with her in her new position.

“Congratulations to South Dakota’s new Governor Larry Rhoden. I have known Larry since he welded our ranch branding irons more than a quarter of a century ago, and I have appreciated serving with him during the years.  As Attorney General, I look forward to continuing to work with him to make our State the best in the Nation.”

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Johnson Applauds Noem’s Confirmation to Homeland Security

 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate’s quick confirmation of Governor Kristi Noem to be President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate voted to secure her confirmation by a vote of 59-34.

“Kristi Noem has always been a leader who takes action, that’s why I’m happy she will officially be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,” said Johnson. “I’ve seen Kristi make good decisions in times of adversity and disaster, and I know she will continue to showcase her strong South Dakota work ethic in her new role.”

Governor Rhoden Receives Governor Noem’s Resignation Letter

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Larry Rhoden received Kristi Noem’s resignation as Governor and succeeded to the office of Governor of South Dakota. Larry Rhoden is now the 34^th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution. A photograph of Governor Rhoden can be found here.

This succession occurred immediately following the vote by the United States Senate to confirm Kristi Noem as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. You can find Noem’s resignation letter here.

Further details on the succession, including a swearing-in ceremony for Governor Rhoden, will be announced shortly.

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