The sun sets behind the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre on Dec. 5, 2023. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
South Dakota’s state government has a troubling history of fraud incidents. However, 2024 marked a new low. Investigations last year implicated state employees in schemes that mismanaged or outright stole millions in public funds. The officials entrusted with safeguarding these assets — through robust systems, oversight and enforcement — seem to have failed the public.
Voters elect representatives to run state government responsibly and professionally. However, mounting evidence suggests systemic failures by leaders and legislators, raising critical questions about accountability.
Who’s minding the store?
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has been busy recently, announcing fraud investigation after fraud investigation involving state employees. Three people are currently being prosecuted, one has pleaded guilty , and another two died before their behavior fully came to light. It appears there has been a complete breakdown of oversight and internal controls.