The leader of the state Senate Republican caucus said he’s concerned about the allegations against Rapid City Sen. Jessica Castleberry.
Castleberry accused of receiving over $603,000 in federal pandemic aid, a violation of the state constitution.
The leader of the Senate’s Republican caucus said the allegations against Castleberry are serious.
“South Dakotans expect their lawmakers to follow the letter of the law, especially when it comes to taxpayer dollars,” Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, said. “I have full faith in [Attorney General] Marty Jackley and his team to investigate the matter.”
Part of the investigation centers around a section in the constitution, which prohibits legislators from entering contracts with the state.
While the COVID money is federal stimulus, the programs were authorized by lawmakers from 2020 to now. Castleberry voted on all of them.
Noem asked for clarification from the supreme court, which said lawmakers were constitutionally prohibited from accessing those funds.
Attorney General Jackley said Castleberry has until Aug. 7 to return the $603,000.
Castleberry said she’s committed to resolve the issue with the state.
