Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Three Plead 'Not Guilty' To GEAR UP Charges

Kealey Bultena
/
SDPB
Platte, SD

Three people connected to the GEAR UP program and Mid-Central Education Cooperative have been arraigned on accusations of fraud and financial crimes. Stacy Phelps, Dan Guericke, and Stephanie Hubers each pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake Andes.

Marty Jackley is South Dakota’s Attorney General.

"When we investigate into matters, we find what we believe looks like inappropriate or criminal conduct, is to move forward in order to hold those accountable - but to ensure during that process that the proceedings are fair, that the defendants receive all of their constitutional rights including that presumption of innocence, and to present our case to the jury through either witnesses or documents, and let the jury ultimately decide whether or not somebody needs to be held accountable and whether or not all of the elements to the various different offenses have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt," Jackley says.

Jackley says the court can expect any additional charges within the next 60 days. He says those could apply to these three defendants or people involved who don’t face charges right now.

Kealey Bultena grew up in South Dakota, where her grandparents took advantage of the state’s agriculture at nap time, tricking her into car rides to “go see cows.” Rarely did she stay awake long enough to see the livestock, but now she writes stories about the animals – and the legislature and education and much more. Kealey worked in television for four years while attending the University of South Dakota. She started interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting in September 2010 and accepted a position with television in 2011. Now Kealey is the radio news producer stationed in Sioux Falls. As a multi-media journalist, Kealey prides herself on the diversity of the stories she tells and the impact her work has on people across the state. Kealey is always searching for new ideas. Let her know of a great story! Find her on Facebook and twitter (@KealeySDPB).
Related Content