PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has been charged with three misdemeanors in connection with a deadly crash in September 2020.
Hyde County Deputy State’s Attorney Emily Sovell announced during a press conference Thursday that Ravnsborg will be charged with operating a vehicle while using a mobile electronic device, illegal lane change and careless driving. Each of the charge carry up to a possible 30 days in jail upon conviction.
Ravnsborg killed 55-year-old Highmore resident Joe Boever when he struck him with his vehicle while Mr. Boever was walking on the shoulder of Highway 14 west of Highmore last September.
Ravnsborg initially told authorities he thought he had struck a deer while driving home from a Republican fundraiser on Sept. 12. Ravnsborg has said he didn’t know he struck a man until he returned to the scene and found the body the next day.
The man’s relatives have questioned Ravnsborg’s account. A toxicology report taken roughly 15 hours after the collision found no alcohol in his system.
As for what’s ahead, Sovell says it is likely a special judge will be appointed to the case and there will be a summons for Ravnsborg to appear in court at that time.
In a statement after Thursday’s announcement, Ravnsborg said he will continue to pray for Joe Boever, the man he fatally struck, and his family.
