Scandal flurry spotlights auditor impotence

Jackley's push to empower state auditor rekindles debate on oversight role

Attorney General Marty Jackley makes a pitch for an “anti-corruption” legislative package, which focuses on strengthening the powers of the State Auditor’s office. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

High-profile fraud and embezzlement cases involving South Dakota state employees have renewed calls for corruption reforms. And Attorney General Marty Jackley says a stronger auditor could help. 

At a press conference in Sioux Falls this month to announce the indictments of two more Department of Revenue employees alleged to have swindled taxpayers, Jackley unveiled a four-point legislative package he intends to propose to lawmakers next year that will include overhauling the office of the state auditor.  

That package comes in the wake of the indictment of a Department of Social Services employee who is accused of embezzling $1.8 million from the state’s foster care program and a former state revenue employee creating fake vehicle titles to secure bank loans for personal gain. The investigation into the latter spurred two more indictments.

“As I travel around the state, people want taxpayer dollars protected,” Jackley told a scrum of reporters.

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But beefing up the South Dakota State Auditor’s Office would be a departure from how the duties of that office have evolved since the state’s founding. Although the title of the office has “auditor” in it — connoting an oversight role in state finances — the office has a functionary role, tasked with processing vouchers and issuing payments only. 

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