PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — Governor Kristi Noem is asking the State Attorney General to investigate the Aaron McGowan mystery.
Noem says it relates to the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s extended absence from his job in July.
She says an investigation is necessary to determine if there are grounds for McGowan’s removal.
The Attorney General’s Office says it is moving forward with Noem’s request.
McGowan has told Sioux Falls media that his absence was for medical reasons, but has said little since. Kelo.com News has repeatedly asked McGowan for a more complete explanation, but as of this story, has not heard from him.
Here is a copy of the letter Noem has sent to Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg:
Dear Honorable Jason Ravnsborg,
A matter of public interest was reported by the media on at least two occasions regarding the extended absence of the elected official holding the office of the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney. The Attorney General has the duty of exercising supervision over state’s attorneys in matters pertaining to their duties of office. Due to these media reports, the public information that has been disseminated, and several inquiries into the Office of the Governor, our Office formally requests an investigation into this matter.
Further, the governor has the power and duty to remove officials who “willfully fail, neglect, or refuse to perform any of the duties imposed upon him by, or to enforce any of the provisions of law relating to intoxicating liquors, or who shall willfully fail, neglect, or refuse to perform any duties imposed upon them by law, or who shall be guilty of intoxication or drunkenness, or who shall be guilty of the violation of any law, or who shall assist or connive in the violation of any law, or who shall be grossly incompetent to perform the duties of his office.” SDCL 3-17-3. An investigation is necessary to determine if grounds for removal exist or not. This is a matter of public interest and swift resolution is prudent.
Sincerely,
Kristi Noem
Governor
