PIERRE, S.D. – In a rare move,the South Dakota Department of Public Safety on Tuesday released three hours worth of video testimony from South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg conducted in the days following a September fatal crash.
Both of the interviews were conducted by Special Agents of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Portions of the audio and video have been redacted because the Attorney General referenced confidential information that is not relevant to this crash investigation.
The crash, which occurred just west of Highmore, resulted in the death of pedestrian Joseph Boever, who was struck by the Attorney General’s vehicle as Mr. Boever was walking on the north shoulder towards Highmore. Gov. Noem requested that DPS lead the investigation.
During the interview, Ravnsborg maintains that he thought he had hit a deer on the night in question. But investigators tell Ravnsborg that Boever’s “face came through your windshield.” The agent tells the Attorney General to “think about that.”
The attorney general maintained, though, he didn’t see Boever.
“I did not know it was a man until the next day,” Ravnsborg said. “No.”
“I think you had an idea it was something other than a deer though,” agent said.
“I just believed it was a deer.” Ravnsborg said. “I do.”
The investigators also tell Ravnsborg that Mr. Boever’s glasses were found in the front seat of his vehicle.
Ravnsborg says he never saw the glasses until the agent’s showed them to him.
Earlier Tuesday, the private media spokesperson representing Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg contacted some media in South Dakota while House members discussed the articles of impeachment.
The statement reads:
“The Attorney General does not intend to resign. At no time has this issue impeded his ability to do the work of the office. Instead, he has handled some of the largest settlements and legislative issues the state has ever been through.
As an attorney and a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserves, AG Ravnsborg has fought for the rule of law and personal liberties and would hope that he is afforded the same right and courtesy.”
