Chief Deputy Brent Kempema

Brent is a 1997 graduate of the University of South Dakota earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is a 2000 graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law earning his Juris Doctorate.

After law school, Brent served as Walworth County Deputy State’s Attorney until 2003 when he went to work offering pro bono legal services for victims of domestic violence.  In 2004, Brent was appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General within the Department of Social Services.  In 2012, Attorney General Jackley appointed Brent as an Assistant Attorney General where he would eventually lead the Criminal Litigation Division as Deputy Attorney General.  Brent was appointed Chief Deputy in 2023. 

During his years as a prosecutor, Brent has successfully handled numerous high-profile sexual assault and homicide cases.  Outside of the courtroom, Brent assists prosecutors from around the country as a faculty member for the National Association of Attorneys General.