Gov. Noem Commutes Sentences on Christmas Eve

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Kristi Noem granted seven commutations for individuals incarcerated by the South Dakota Department of Corrections. These seven individuals have had their sentences commuted to parole for the remainder of their sentence term with appropriate precautions in place, which include electronic monitoring, intensive parole supervision plans, and a return to prison for parole violations. The monitoring technology includes GPS monitoring and SCRAM units, which are Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring devices that alert if an offender is using alcohol.

“These seven individuals have each earned a second chance. Each of these individuals has demonstrated a low risk of recidivism. They are being released with precautions in place such as electronic monitoring and parole supervision to help them succeed,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “

The seven individuals receiving commuted sentences are Danielle Blakney, Jamie Christine Bosone, Jerome R. Ferguson, Britni Jean Goodhart, Connie Hirsch, Tammy Kvasnicka, and Whitney Renae Turney.

Each of these offenders, since being incarcerated, has followed rules and policies, showing a great propensity for success on parole supervision.