Uncle of George Floyd pleads not guilty to four drug and alcohol charges

Selwyn Jones became national surrogate speaking against racial injustices after nephew died

An evidentiary motions hearing in the drug trial against the uncle of George Floyd has been moved to February pending the motion for the release of evidence in the case.

Selwyn Jones was scheduled for a court appearance on Dec. 12 after a Potter County grand jury indicted him in September on four drug and alcohol related charges, two felonies and two misdemeanors. Jones, 57, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Jones became a national figure speaking about racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in May of 2020. Floyd’s death during his arrest by Minneapolis police officers sparked a summer of civil unrest in major cities across the United States.

According to court documents, Jones was found unresponsive at the KJ’s Inn and Suites hotel, which he operates in Gettysburg, South Dakota, surrounded by drug paraphernalia. He and another individual were arrested after a search warrant was issued. They were booked in the Hughes County jail and later released on bond.

KJ’s Inn and Suites hotel in Gettysburg, SD. (Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

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