No Felony Charges For South Dakota Attorney General Following Fatal Accident

More than five months after South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg struck and killed a pedestrian, prosecutors announce he'll face three misdemeanor charges, with none related to the death. KDLT's Kevin Gonzalez reports.

(KDLT/NBC News) — On the night of September 12, 2020 South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg was behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed Joe Boever.

Now, more than five months after the crash, official charges have been filed against Ravnsborg.

They include careless driving, operating a vehicle while using a mobile device, and a driving lane violation.

All three are misdemeanors and none pertain specifically to the death of Boever.

“For Vehicular homicide in South Dakota, it requires that one be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or substances in a manner and a degree prohibited by law wit out design to affect death but ultimately after negligent actions results in the death of a human being,” said Emily Sovell, Hyde County Deputy State’s Attorney.

While Ravnsborg is being charged with using a mobile device while driving, prosecutors say the phone use was not a factor in the crash.

“All evidence indicates to us that the Attorney General was not on the phone at the time of the accident,” said Sovell.

Despite the prosecutors’ findings, Boever’s family believes there is more to the story of what happened that night.

“I am convinced Jason Ravnsborg, saw Joe Boever before he it him,” said Nick Nemec, Joe Boevers cousin.

Read more here.