An interagency Parole Task Force has arrested dozens of offenders in Pennington County during its first two weeks of operations, targeting parolees accused of committing new crimes or violating conditions of their release.
Authorities said the task force has made 40 arrests since beginning enforcement operations on April 15. Of those arrested, 35 were taken into custody for new or outstanding criminal offenses, and 18 were confirmed to be on parole at the time. An additional 17 parolees were arrested separately during routine law enforcement contacts.
The task force brings together agencies including the Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Department of Corrections Parole Services, U.S. Marshals Service and the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office. Officials said its mission is to locate parole absconders, serve outstanding warrants and apprehend parolees involved in recent criminal activity.
Law enforcement highlighted several cases tied to the enforcement effort, including the arrest of a parolee suspected in a robbery, burglaries and the theft of two AR‑15‑style rifles; multiple arrests following a parole absconder investigation that uncovered drugs and a stolen trailer; and arrests connected to assaults, domestic violence and DUI offenses. In other cases, parolees were located during federal drug investigations or taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
Officials noted that parolees, though released from prison early, remain under supervision and are still serving their felony sentences in the community. Violations can result in immediate arrest and return to custody.
Authorities said, based on the early results, Parole Task Force operations will continue across Pennington County for the foreseeable future.
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