South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has been impeached by the stateâs House of Representatives.
According to CNN, the House voted 36-31 in favor of impeachment over Ravnsborgâs conduct following a car crash that left a pedestrian dead in 2020.
The outlet noted Ravnsborg initially reported to the police that he had hit a deer.
He allegedly discovered Joe Boeverâs body the following morning upon returning to the scene of the crash, as CNN reported.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) reacted to the impeachment on Twitter, saying, âToday, the House of Representatives did the right thing for the people of South Dakota and for Joe Boeverâs family.â
https://twitter.com/govkristinoem/status/1513939361871577088
Ravnsborg said in a statement he respects âthe process but I look forward to the Senate trial where I believe I will be vindicated.â
Republican Rep. Will Mortenson, who introduced the articles of impeachment, said when âweâre dealing with the life of one of your citizens, I think that weighed heavily on everyone.â
In August 2021, Ravnsborg pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors related to the crash.
He was required to pay a $500 fine for both misdemeanors.
Attorney Timothy Rensch said at the time, âJust because heâs the attorney general doesnât mean that accidents canât happen.â
He added, âJust because heâs the attorney general and is involved here does not mean that the fix is in and thereâs some great conspiracy not to hold him accountable.â
Joseph Boeverâs widow, Jennifer, said the attorney generalâs actions are âincomprehensible, inexcusable and cannot be forgiven.â
Noem previously expressed her disappointment with how âthis process was handled by prosecutors,â adding she was âoutraged at the result of todayâs plea hearing and sentencing.â
She continued, âRavnsborg has not accepted responsibility for the death of Joseph Boever and did not even appear in court today to face the charges or the Boever family.â
