South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has pleaded Not Guilty to 3 misdemeanor charges for striking and killing a man with his car last summer.
The Republican attorney general’s lawyer made the plea on his behalf Friday afternoon in the initial court hearing on the case
The prosecutor noted that it is typical for defendants to plead Not Guilty at this point, while the defense attorneys said they haven’t had a chance to examine the evidence in the case.
Ravnsborg is facing calls for his resignation from multiple sources including Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, law enforcement groups, and state lawmakers.
The South Dakota House has passed a resolution allowing it to consider impeachment proceedings after the criminal case is completed.
Ravnsborg is accused of distracted driving while driving home to Pierre from a political event. Prosecutors say his car went onto the shoulder of Hwy 14 near Highmore and hit 55-year old Joe Boever of Highmore.
Ravnsborg called 911 and said he thought he hit a deer and the area was searched, but Boever’s body wasn’t found until the next day.