South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg is scheduled to have an initial hearing at the Hughes County Courthouse in Pierre Friday (March 12, 2021) at 4pm.
Ravnsborg has been charged with three misdemeanors in connection with a vehicle-pedestrian accident September 12, 2020, that killed a 55 year old man from Highmore. Ravnsborg called 911 immediately after the collision not knowing what he’d hit. He found Joseph Boever’s body in the ditch the next morning.
Last month (Feb. 18, 2021), Hyde County Deputy State’s Attorney Emily Sovell said after reviewing all of the investigation information, she’s charging Ravnsborg with:
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Count 1: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Using a Mobile Electronic Device
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Count 2: Lane Driving in Violation of South Dakota Codified Law
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Count 3: Careless Driving
Sovell said Count 1 comes from Ravnsborg’s behavior while driving east of Highmore, prior to the accident. Counts 2 and 3 are directly connected to Boever’s death.
Judge John Brown has denied a request to allow cameras in the courtroom, but is allowing media to obtain audio.
Articles of Impeachment had been filed against Ravnsborg, but yesterday (March 8, 2021) members of the South Dakota House of Representatives voted to put the process on hold until completion of the criminal court case.
Through a spokesperson, Ravnsborg released this statement in response to the House passing HR7001: “The House’s action today will allow the legal system to proceed without further interference and with due process. I have cooperated fully with investigators and law enforcement in this matter and look forward to its resolution. I will continue to work every day for the people of South Dakota.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, some state lawmakers and at least three organizations representing state law enforcement agencies have said Ravnsborg should resign, but he has so far refused to do so.
Impeachment would require a majority of the 70 member house to move to remove Ravnsborg from office. A trial in the State Senate would follow. If Ravnsborg resigns or is impeached, Noem could appoint a successor to serve the balance of his term as Attorney General, which expires in 2022.
The South Dakota House has never before voted to impeach a constitutional officer. The last time impeachment was even discussed was in the mid-1930s.
![Ravnsborg vehicle after Boever fatal accident](https://media.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2020/11/ravnsborg-vehicle-after-boever-fatal-accident-091320.jpeg)
Ravnsborg vehicle after Boever fatal accident.
***NOTE: This photograph does not depict the vehicle at the time of the Sept. 12, 2020, crash. This picture was taken Sept. 15, 2020.
Photo credit South Dakota Department of Public Safety
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