Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko is praising staff for their role in identifying yet another significant attempt at introducing contraband at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls on Thursday, May 29th.

“Staff noticed unusual behavior during what would have been a routine supply delivery to the Penitentiary on May 29th,” said Wasko. “Their vigilance and attention to detail prevented contraband from being delivered to offenders, which could have led to significant security and safety issues for their colleagues and for other offenders.”

Part of staff’s excellent response was the result of effectively carrying out the lessons of a recent training. The Department of Corrections will continue incorporating effective training and other modern correctional practices to keep staff and inmates safe.

Because this is an ongoing investigation involving the DOC Inspector General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation, DOC is unable to provide more specific information on this thwarted attempt to deliver contraband in the prison. If the results of the investigation warrant prosecution, criminal charges will be sought. The DOC will not tolerate introduction of contraband to harm our staff or offenders. We will continue to counter every attempt to introduce dangerous contraband into our facilities.