SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Based on Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s report on Minnehaha State’s Attorney Aaron McGowan’s prolonged absence this summer and news reports, here is a time line of major event.
In a news release, Gov. Kristi Noem said, “The facts that were uncovered are unsettling.” However, she said she would not be pursuing any further action “at this time.”
The report (click here to read) said there was insufficient evidence to bring felony or misdemeanor charges against McGowan.
- RELATED COVERAGE: Attorney General issues report on States Attorney McGowan
- RELATED COVERAGE: Noem calls for probe of Minnehaha State’s Attorney
Major events in the timeline:
- July 13, 2019, McGowan’s family sought to have an intervention with McGowan for alcohol. He did not participate.
- That same night, someone–not from the McGowan resident–called 911 with concerns that McGowan sent out a “suicide note video.”
- Sioux Falls Police and the Mobile Crisis Team responded to the McGowan resident. McGowan was the only one at home.
- Police and the MCT went into the home and accessed McGown was not a risk to his own or others’ safety.
- Police left and there was no arrest.
- McGowan was absent from the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office from July 13 to mid-September 2019.
- McGowan did not inform his staff for the reason until Aug. 16, 2019.
- There are conflicting reports on whether McGowan was an effective leader in the office.
- Some MCSAO staff said McGowan sent them messages that said “bar?” during the workday.
- Some MCSAO staff said McGowan asked staff to bring alcohol to his house during the workday. He said that was a one-time thing before a weekend.
- Some MCSAO staff said they saw McGowan inebriated.
- On Sept. 4, 2019, Sioux Falls Police Chief says at the daily police briefing that the S.D. Attorney General’s Office is not investigating SFPD over the McGowan matter.
- On Sept. 18, 2019, Gov. Noem asks the AG to investigate McGowan.
- On Oct. 1, 2019, AG Ravnsborg sends Gov. Noem the results of his office’s investigation.
- On Oct. 9, 2019, Gov. Noem releases the report to the media and the public.
McGowan is a Democrat. Noem and Ravnsborg are Republicans.
KELO.com News has asked McGowan for comments about the report and its impact on his position as State’s Attorney.
