FEBRUARY 25, 2022:
The lead prosecutors in the trial of Jason Ravnsborg over the fatal crash that killed Joe Boever testified yesterday (Feb. 24, 2022) in front of the House Select Committee on Impeachment.
State’s Attorneys Emily Sovell and Michael Moore told the committee it would have been the wrong decision for them to charge Ravnsborg with more serious crimes given what they could prove to a jury in court.
Committee members asked the prosecutors about the September 30, 2020, interviews the Department of Public Safety released. Moore says he’s never been involved in a case where the defendant’s investigation interviews have been broadcast to the public.
“I mean it’s an ethical violation for me as a prosecutor, even know it was done by another party. That’s my case and I could be disciplined for that happening. The evidence could be suppressed, I mean there’s all kinds of ramifications that could happen if evidence like that is released to the public.”
Moore says the evidence being released could have tainted the jury and infringed on Ravnsborg’s due process rights.
The committee will meet again March 10, 2022, the last day of the legislative session before Veto Day. Committee Chairman Spencer Gosch says there isn’t a timeline on whether or not the committee will recommend to impeach the Attorney General.
Photo credit South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
Photo credit South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
FEBRUARY 23, 2022:
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The prosecutors who decided against more serious charges against South Dakota’s attorney general in a fatal crash are set to testify at a hearing on whether he should face impeachment. The South Dakota House Select Committee on Investigation reconvenes Thursday (Feb. 24, 2022) to hear testimony on whether Republican Jason Ravnsborg should face impeachment charges for conduct related to the 2020 car crash that killed Joe Boever who was walking along a highway. Ravnsborg has said he didn’t realize he struck the 55-year-old man until returning to the scene the next day. Hyde County Assistant State’s Attorney Emily Sovell, who led the prosecution against Ravnsborg, and the Beadle County State’s Attorney who assisted her are set to testify.
Hand County Deputy State’s Attorney Emily Sovell.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
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