SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — KELO.com News’ fifth most impactful state and regional story for 2021 is the allegations of abuse at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls and major staff changes.
Staff complained to Gov. Kristi Noem this summer about sexual harassment, nepotism, poor training, poor equipment, and low pay.
The Director of Pheasantland Industries Stefany Bawek was terminated and two other Department of Corrections were relieved of their duties.
Three other D-O-C employees were reassigned to other roles following an additional review by the Bureau of Human Resources.
The South Dakota Department of Corrections hired a California consulting company to do an extensive study of operations at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
Then-Corrections Department interim Secretary Tim Reisch said the study would cost about $166,000, paid out of the state’s general fund.
Noem also met with state pen staff about their concerns.
Gov. Noem is also proposing pay increases for DOC employees in the 2022 legislature.
