- Kristi Noem, while serving as South Dakota's governor, granted early release to 19 prison inmates without the customary approval from the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.
- A report reveals that 12 of these 19 inmates were subsequently charged with new crimes, including drug possession, domestic violence, and driving under the influence.
- The standard clemency process in South Dakota typically involves an application to the Board of Pardons and Paroles, followed by screenings and a board recommendation before reaching the governor's office.
- Noem issued these 19 commutations in two tranches in 2022 and 2023, bypassing the board's review for these specific cases.
- Her successor, Gov. Larry Rhoden, has issued commutations only after receiving board approval, and a political challenger has pledged to reform the clemency process.
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