South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley revealed today that Senator Jessica Castleberry (R-Rapid City) has been found to have misused $499,129 of COVID relief funds in violation of the South Dakota Constitution.
The money was used for her business, Little Nest Preschool, specifically for daycare-related expenses.
An agreement has been reached for Senator Castleberry to repay the misused funds with interest through a monthly payment plan of $2,400.
$104,100 of the misused funds were allocated for financially needy families and children and were used as intended, exempting this portion from reimbursement.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Senator Castleberry cooperated with authorities.
In response to the findings and the ongoing investigation, Senator Castleberry announced her resignation from her position in the South Dakota Senate.
Her statement expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of South Dakota and formally stepped down from her role.