More than half of the prisoners granted early release by former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem without the customary review process have been re-arrested, a new report has found.
Clemency bypassed
Noem, while serving as governor, issued commutations to 19 inmates without the approval of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. The standard clemency process in South Dakota typically requires an application to the board, followed by screenings and a recommendation before reaching the governor's office. Noem bypassed this process in two tranches in 2022 and 2023.
According to the report, 12 of those 19 inmates were subsequently charged with new crimes, including drug possession, domestic violence, and driving under the influence. The findings have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Noem's clemency decisions.
Political fallout
Noem's successor, Governor Larry Rhoden, has taken a different approach, issuing commutations only after receiving board approval. A political challenger has also pledged to reform the clemency process if elected.
The report underscores the risks of bypassing established review procedures, as the majority of those released without proper vetting have reoffended. Critics argue that the case highlights the need for a more rigorous and transparent clemency system.
