PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The Legislature’s Government Operations and Audit Committee wasn’t happy with the answers, or lack thereof, from the Executive Branch of South Dakota’s government over the spate of scandals involving embezzlement, fraud and misappropriation of funds. So, they sent subpoenas to Revenue Secretary Mike Houdyshell and Division of Motor Vehicles Director Rosa Yaeger to testify on December 11. A lawyer for the State Attorney General’s office filed a motion to squash the subpoena. On a side note, the Attorney General’s Office is in somewhat of an awkward position, attorneys from that office represent both the Legislature and the Executive Branch in the dispute.
The December 11th meeting was cancelled but now the Government Operations and Audit Committee will meet on Thursday to decide if they will reissue the subpoenas. State law says the Executive Board of the Legislature must approve the issuance of any subpoenas; they will meet on Friday to consider the matter. Meanwhile, Attorney General Marty Jackley continues to investigate, pursue and to prosecute the multiple cases of fraud in state government that have emerged over the summer.