MOODY COUNTY, S.D. — Law enforcement across the state are mourning the loss of a Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff who killed in the line of duty Friday afternoon in Moody County, according to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.
Ken Prorok, 51, of Wentworth, was killed as a result of a pursuit near the I-29/Colman exit. Prorok has been with the Moody County Sheriff’s Office since he was sworn in as a law enforcement officer in 2016.
Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, of Sioux Falls, has been arrested in connection with the incident that led to the Chief Deputy Sheriff’s death.
Hoek is being held in the Lake County Jail in Madison. Charges will be filed on or about the time of his initial appearance which is 9 a.m., this Monday, Feb. 5, at the Lake County Courthouse in Madison.
Hoek has a trial scheduled on March 5, 2024 for a pending domestic abuse and simple assault case filed on January 11, 2024.
“Ken was a husband, father, grandfather, and well-respected leader in his community. All law enforcement is mourning the loss of Ken, and we send our condolences and prayers to his family and agency,” said Attorney General Jackley.
“The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and Highway Patrol, with the help of local law enforcement agencies, continue their investigation,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The charges will be based on the evidence.”
