SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The trial for a man accused of hitting and killing a Moody County Deputy sheriff during a police chase will be moved out of Flandreau. Deputy Ken Prorok was killed in February of 2024 as he was putting out spike strips. The judge announced his decision this afternoon. In deciding to move Joseph Hoek’s trial, the judge called Moody County a close-knit community.
Much of his decision was based on a court-approved survey of residents in Moody County.Of the 330 residents who responded, 86 percent said they had heard or read about the case, and 59 percent said they had already formed an opinion. Attorney General Marty Jackley says he feels Hoek could get a fair trial in Moody County, but he understands the judge’s decision.
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“Recognizing that 59 percent was high, the case law says 50 percent is kind of that breaking point. I asked if there was a change of venue to either be in the Black Hills area, Pennington, Lawrence, Meade County, or Hughes County. It’s a different media market, it’s far enough away from the conversations about this case that we’re hearing in Moody County, the court is considering those potential venues,” said Jackley
Court documents say a witness saw 42-year-old Joseph Hoek swerve and intentionally hit Prorok near the I-29 and Colman exit…