South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has called on Republican District 35 State Senator Jessica Castleberry to repay over $600,000 in COVID relief money received for her Rapid City preschool.
The Governor’s office cited that elected officials, including Castleberry, were ineligible to accept such payments based on a State Supreme Court ruling in 2020.
Castleberry, however, stated that she sought advice from independent counsel and maintained transparent communication with the Department of Social Services during the grant application process.
If the repayment is not completed or an agreement is not reached by August 7, legal action may be pursued.
Castleberry, who was appointed by Governor Noem and later formally elected, expressed her commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring compliance with the State Constitution.
The matter was brought to Jackley’s attention by Governor Noem, who asked the Attorney General to investigate possible constitutional and statutory violations committed by Castleberry related to the COVID relief funds obtained for her preschool, Little Nest Preschool LLC.