FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, November 22, 2017    
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty J. Jackley confirms that the South Dakota Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed Edward James Draskovich’s convictions for threatening a judicial officer and disorderly conduct as a result of statements he made in the Minnehaha County Courthouse.  On March 7, 2016, Mr. Draskovich made various statements in a threatening manner while seeking to obtain a driving work permit including among others “Now I see why people shoot up courthouses” and “There’s a good cure for that [inability to issue work permit] and it’s 140 grains of lead.”  There are other statements identified in the decision. 

“The business being done at courthouses can often involve many challenging and frustrating situations.  It is important that difficult situations and challenges be dealt with peaceably and without threats of violence to courthouse personnel that are working to serve the public,” said Attorney General Jackley.  

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