Attorney General Jackley Announces Former DOC Employee Sentenced For Prison-Related Crimes

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a former Department of Corrections employee has been sentenced after earlier pleading guilty to crimes involving a prison inmate.

Madyson Bixby of Sioux Falls, 22, was sentenced Tuesday in Minnehaha County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to one felony count of Compounding a Felony and one felony count of Possession of an Unauthorized Article (a cellphone with intent to deliver to an inmate). She was sentenced to two years in prison, both suspended, on each count, and 48 months of probation. Prosecutors had asked for four years in the state prison.

“This defendant violated the trust of the Department of Corrections and put others at risk,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Cases like this are why I have prioritized improving corrections, and I look forward to working with our Legislature to improve corrections and strengthen our laws to hold offenders more accountable.”

The charges were connected to an investigation involving an inmate conspiring with another person to burn someone else’s car on Jan. 4 2024 in Sioux Falls. The defendant also brought a cellphone into the prison and delivered it to the inmate.

As part of his 2025 legislative priorities, Attorney General Jackley is proposing to revise provisions related to the delivery, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of unauthorized articles by inmates in a state correctional facility.  “The Attorney General’s legislation seeks to protect our correctional officers from devices being used to put our officers and other inmates in danger,” said Attorney General Jackley.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Special Investigations Unit. The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

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From my mailbox:

AFP-SD Applauds Introduction of Education Savings Account Bill

Pierre, SD – Americans for Prosperity-South Dakota (AFP-SD) announced its support for H.B.1020, Establish Education Savings Accounts, introduced by Sen. Mehlhaff and Rep. Odenbach. This bill will expand educational opportunities for all students and empower parents to choose what educational options best fit their child’s needs.

The grassroots organization will run a digital ad campaign thanking these legislators and will support this bill across the finish line so that every child has access to the educational opportunities they deserve.

Herman Otten has apparently decided that Pierre is not where he wants to be in January & February, and has sent a letter to the Governor informing her that she (or her successor) will have an appointment to make to the District 6 House of Representatives:

“It has been an honor and privilege to be a voice for the citizens of district six for the past 12 years,” Otten wrote, in the letter obtained by The Dakota Scout.

and..

Otten, 58, cited “personal and family reasons” as the reason he would be declining his two-year term in the South Dakota State House. Prior to deciding to run for the House in 2024, he had intended to retire from the Legislature all together.

Read the entire story here.

As opposed to the drama coming out of Minnehaha County last night, the Lincoln County GOP also had their elections last evening. This time starting at 6:30 and being done a little after 7.

The new leadership team is:

 

The state’s major homeschooling group is announcing up front that they are opposed to the current proposal for government funding for alternative instruction, and the organization has hired lobbyists to enforce that point with State Representatives and Senators.

The Families for Alternative Instruction Rights is South Dakota’s only statewide homeschooling organization, and has been in operation for the last 6-7 years to represent homeschooling rights and resources in South Dakota. It is led by several familiar names, including board member and State Senator Sue Peterson.  As noted on their website “FAIRSD is dedicated to advancing, protecting and securing Alternative Instruction rights for families in South Dakota. ”

In a letter sent to legislators this last week, the group is emphasizing that at this time they are largely opposing the measure for ESAs’/Vouchers as currently written, and offers the following in rebuttal to the ESA/Voucher program being proposed:

Many assume that FAIRSD would lobby in favor of ESAs or vouchers. That is not the case.  FAIRSD stands adamantly opposed to any legislation which would seek to take away or change the traditional option for Alternative Instruction. It is the desire of many homeschool parents that it remains free and independent from any government funding or interference. We are hopeful that any proposed bills create a separate legal category for ESAs or vouchers. FAIRSD believes parents have the right to choose the best education option for each of their children, and to choose what, how, where, and when their children learn in a homeschool setting. Currently, there are three legal options in SD for parents to choose to educate their children: public, private, or alternative instruction. Any school choice bill that creates education savings accounts or vouchers should create a fourth legal option for parents to choose that is separate and distinct from Alternative Instruction.

The group has announced that they are “partnering with Rob Skjonsberg and Jason Glodt of 605 Strategies to represent SD homeschool families as our lobbyists at the capitol this session.”

More to come on this, as it will be the hottest topic that will come up at this years’ legislative session.

If you’re looking for the Minnehaha County Republican Party Officer election results, I’ve scoured my sources and found a couple people who were brave enough to stay up until voting ended around 11:30 in a meeting that was described as “full of attacks and negativity ” as the legacy of outgoing Minnehaha County GOP Chair R. Shawn Tornow.

The theme of the evening was raw anger against vice-chair Jennifer Foss. Treasurer Tyler Swanger gave an impassioned speech against Foss, dropping the f-bomb a couple of times, and outgoing Chair R. Shawn Tornow several times used “Chairman’s privilege” to ask loaded questions directed to whichever candidate he didn’t like and softball questions to boost whichever candidate he did like.

There was a flyer handed out showing who the current leadership team wanted…

And in opposition, another handout detailing facebook attacks (in part below) allegedly from Vice Chair Jennifer Foss against a precinct committeewoman/board member.

And it sounds like this might have been one of the biggest free-for-alls in modern history at a county GOP meeting.

When the dust settled only two from the slate of people the outgoing board wanted had survived,  The State Committeeman and Committeewoman:

Chair – Korry Petterson
Vice Chair – Marsha Symens
Secretary – Patrick Peterson
Treasurer – Dave Rundell
State Committeeman – Tom Pischke
State Committeewoman – Bridget Boyden-Myers

And none of the other recommendations of the outgoing leadership’s slate were installed.

What can we expect from the Minnehaha County GOP moving forward?

I’m told that how well the board moves forward will depend on who the new chair appoints to at-large positions. One attendee noted to me that without Tornow and Foss on the board that maybe things will calm down? But by the the same token, the board is a mix of the two far right factions, and they could continue on the path that they’re on.

Much will depend on how the new chair fills open positions on the county party’s executive board. And whether they want to go back to an organization that is taken seriously and works to elect candidates. Or is only interested in more of the same.

And maybe they’ll hire some security to keep the peace at the next meeting. Sounds like they might need it.

The Minnehaha County Republican Party is attempting to turn over a new leaf tonight with county elections being held for party officers.

I kind of wish they were live streaming it, because it sounds like a complete circus. Minnehaha County Commissioner Joe Kippley is running for chair to represent the adults in the room against current Minnehaha County Republican Vice Chair Jennifer Foss, who in 2024 was attempting to recruit petition carriers for an independent candidate against congressman Dusty Johnson. There’s also Korry Petterson running for chair as well.

From the handout that was sent to me, it looks like the Foss team wants to spend the parties time having Trump parades, despite the fact President Trump is barred from a third term.

Not much in that flyer for helping candidates and fundraising, which is the actual job of the county parties.

Stay tuned for updates..

And I’m being told reports are that Joe Kippley was bumped out of the contest for chair, so the hopes of adults running the Republican organization for the state’s largest county have quickly gone downhill.  Also told a number of people walked out at that point.

Oh well..

Big update!!

In a move that was not expected, apparently the Minnehaha County GOP Central Committee kicked the vice chair Jennifer Foss to the curb. As one correspondent offered regarding the second round of voting,  “The hate for her was palpable.” Almost all of the Joe Kippley votes from round 1 went against Foss, and Korry Petterson who no one has a good read on captured the win.

And maybe that’s for the best, for someone who can come in without preconceived notions to attempt to give it a go.

We will find out more shortly.

South Dakota Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson Announces Re-Election Bid

Pierre, S.D. (Jan. 9, 2025) – South Dakota Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson today announced her intention to seek re-election, aiming to continue her mission of enhancing service, transparency, and security for all South Dakotans.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your Secretary of State,” Johnson said. “Together, we’ve made significant strides in improving our office, ensuring that South Dakota’s elections remain secure and accurate, and supporting our state’s vibrant business community. There is more work to be done and I am excited to build on the foundation we’ve created.”

Two years into her term as Secretary of State, Johnson brings eight years of prior experience as an employee in the office, making her the most experienced candidate since Chris Nelson, who served as Secretary of State from 2003-2011.

A Legacy of Accomplishment

Since taking office, Secretary Johnson has prioritized customer service, bolstered election security, and increased transparency in South Dakota’s electoral processes. Her tenure has been marked by several significant achievements.

In June 2024, she successfully added New Mexico to the list of states that recognize reciprocity with South Dakota for the enhanced concealed carry permit, effectively protecting South Dakota’s strong Second Amendment heritage.

Johnson spearheaded modernization efforts within the Secretary of State’s office, initiating an upgrade to the voter registration system, which will include a Campaign Finance module to enhance financial transparency in elections.  She is also planning to upgrade the current business platform to better serve the business community.

Beyond technology, she has championed voter education through initiatives like the Gladys Pyle Award for Young Voter Registration and the “I VOTED” sticker contest, encouraging civic engagement among students statewide.

Recognizing the evolving challenges of election security, Johnson brought on a dedicated Cybersecurity Analyst in 2023 to safeguard the integrity of South Dakota’s elections and protect the business community from fraud.

Johnson also played a critical role in regional and national collaborations, serving on the Midwest States Election Security Summit and working with Dakota State University and the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office on cybersecurity initiatives.

In a first for South Dakota, Johnson oversaw the county auditor’s implementation of post-election audits to ensure accountability and build public trust, debuting the program during the 2024 primary and general elections. This commitment to transparency reflects her dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards in the electoral process.

Looking to the Future

During her tenure, Johnson has earned national recognition for her leadership, including appointments to the U.S. Global Leadership Committee (USGLC) and the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Governance and Archives Committees. This year, she will serve as Co-Chair of the NASS State Records and Archives Committee.

Her groundbreaking partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University to bring back the state’s quarterly Economic Report in 2024 demonstrates her vision for using data to drive economic growth and empower South Dakota businesses.

With a second term, Johnson plans to build on this momentum by continuing to modernize office systems, enhance voter outreach, and ensure South Dakota’s elections remain secure, transparent, and accurate.

Rooted in South Dakota Values

Johnson was born in Brookings, grew up in Rapid City and now lives in Pierre. Her family remains her greatest source of pride and inspiration. She is a proud mother to six and grandmother to four.

“South Dakota deserves leadership that reflects our shared values of honesty, hard work, family and service,” said Johnson. “I am ready to continue this important mission, ensuring our state’s democracy remains strong and secure for generations to come.”

Elected by the people of South Dakota in 2022, Johnson began her service early when Governor Kristi Noem appointed her to assume the role in December 2022 – a full month early. Since then, she has embraced the responsibilities of the office with dedication and resolve. As she seeks re-election, Johnson remains committed to continuing her work to serve all South Dakotans with integrity and excellence.

For more information, visit monaeforsouthdakota.com.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Former State Employee Indicted 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 employee has been charged with using a DSS grocery voucher, intended for families in need, for personal use.

“It is alleged this defendant abused her position by using resources intended to help others for her own personal gain,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General’s Office intends to continue to prosecute these cases to regain the public’s trust in state government. I appreciate the Department of Social Services’ cooperation throughout this investigation.”

Amalia Escalante Barrientos, 28, of Brookings is charged with one misdemeanor count of Obtaining Money, Property or Assistance by Fraud from Social Services or Related Programs. The maximum penalty is a one-year sentence in the county jail, a $2,000 fine or both.

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 Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case.

Barrientos has not yet made her initial court appearance. She is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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From Twitter, Congressman Dusty Johnson has high praise for Governor Noem:

.@KristiNoem will get the job done as Secretary of Homeland Security. pic.twitter.com/1qnWazkyvo

— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) January 9, 2025