State Senator Jessica Castleberry will not seek re-election following COVID-19 relief payment scrutiny

State senator Jessica Castleberry of Rapid City has announced she will not seek a third-term in the South Dakota legislature following scrutiny from the Governor and Attorney General Marty Jackley regarding COVID-19 relief grants. The Governor earlier this month asked AG Jackley to look into the legality regarding Castleberry receiving more than $600,000 in state daycare grants. The State supreme court has ruled members of the legislature could not receive certain COVID-19 relief dollars. Since then, Jackley’s office has asked Castleberry to return to funds or face criminal penalty. Castleberry maintains she was legally allowed to accept the funds, seeking legal council regarding them before applying.