Governor-elect Kristi Noem has chosen Hughes County Sheriff Michael Leidholt to serve as her Secretary of the Department of Corrections.
Noem says she and Sheriff Leidholt will work to expand correctional options in the state, keep victims at the center of the criminal justice system and reduce the likelihood of repeat offenders.
Leidholt says the state must improve its systems to prevent crime and to strengthen parole, re-entry and rehabilitation programs while also respecting every taxpayer dollar.
Leidholt has served in law enforcement since 1975 and has served as the Hughes County Sheriff for 24 years. Throughout his career, Leidholt has pioneered efforts to bring the D.A.R.E. program to South Dakota and has led the state in bringing awareness to challenges facing Indian Country and mental health across the state.
