Piedmont resident and former Republican congressional candidate James Bialota was sentenced Friday following a 2025 incident at a Rapid City Dollar General store.
Bialota was arrested after reportedly refusing to leave the North Haines Avenue business, where Gov. Larry Rhoden and his security detail were present. He was charged with entering or refusing to leave property after notice and disorderly conduct.
After pleading not guilty, Bialota was convicted on both charges at trial in June 2026. He was sentenced to 100 days in jail, with 93 days suspended, and ordered to pay $875 in court costs.
Bialota was a candidate for South Dakota’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Comments