Justice In Action

In this episode of Justice in Action, we take an in-depth look at State v. James Jumping Eagle, a case that left a lasting impact on the Rapid City community and, most importantly, on the family and loved ones of 82-year-old Reta McGovern.On February 21, 2021, Reta was murdered in her home, setting off an investigation that would ultimately lead to a life sentence plus 50 years. In this episode, we walk through the case from start to finish, examining the investigative work, the evidence, and the prosecution’s approach to seeking justice.This is more than a case summary. It is a look at how the justice system responds in the face of violence, the collaboration required across agencies, and the responsibility to pursue accountability on behalf of victims.

February marks annual report season for the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. In this collaborative episode, your hosts, State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel and Public Information Officer Katy Urban are joined by Sheriff Brian Mueller and Police Chief Don Hedrick to break down the major public safety trends of 2025. From crime data and drug trends to mental health commitments and diversion success rates, this conversation unpacks what the numbers really mean and what residents should understand about safety in our community.

In the final episode, we examine the prosecution,  a process that stretched nearly a decade and tested everyone involved. From death penalty decisions and plea negotiations to delayed trials, appeals, and final sentencing, this episode lays out the legal journey that followed. We also reflect on the role of victim advocacy, the impact on Jessica’s family, and what justice, imperfect and hard-won, ultimately looked like in this case.

Part Two focuses on the homicide investigation. Detectives walk us through the frantic search, the crucial break that changed everything, and the discovery of Jessica’s body nearly one year later. You’ll hear directly from law enforcement about the evidence, the interviews, and how a complex, emotionally heavy investigation ultimately identified five individuals responsible for Jessica’s murder and burial.

In Part One, we meet Jessica Rehfeld through the eyes of those who loved her most, especially her father, Michael. We learn who Jessica was, what mattered to her, and the circumstances that led up to her disappearance in 2015. This episode honors Jessica’s life, her strength, and the warning signs she recognized as she tried to escape an abusive relationship before she suddenly went silent.

Retail theft was climbing fast in Rapid City — until law enforcement, prosecutors, and local businesses teamed up. Katy and Lara talk with RCPD’s Mark Eisenbraun and retailer Doug Smith about what changed, what’s working, and what shoppers should know this holiday season.

In this powerful episode, Katy and Lara sit down with Trooper Louis Plunkett of the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Starla Pressley who lost her brother to an impaired driver. Together, they explore why South Dakota has one of the highest DUI rates in the nation, what troopers are seeing on the roads during the holidays, and what every driver needs to know to keep their community safe. Starla’s story brings heart and urgency to a crisis that affects far too many families.

Why does school attendance matter so much - not just for grades, but for a child’s future? In our latest episode of Justice in Action, we sit down with leaders from the Rapid City Area Schools and the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office to talk about truancy, the law, and how our community works to keep kids in school. We’ll explore how attendance connects to long-term success, the role our office plays in addressing chronic absenteeism, and the resources available to families before legal action is ever considered.If you’re a parent, educator, or just care about the next generation, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re working to keep kids on track.

Violent crime has been making headlines in our community—and with that, public concern about crime continues to grow. While it may feel like crime is increasing, the truth is that violent crime is actually down. In this episode, we’re talking not only about the trauma that follows acts of violence, but also about the proactive efforts happening behind the scenes—efforts that are truly making a difference in keeping our community safer.

In this powerful episode of Justice in Action, we hear directly from Ashtyn, the survivor at the center of State v. Rolfe. More than a decade after testifying against her abuser, she bravely shares why she is speaking out now, how the experience shaped her life, and what she wants other survivors to know.Ashtyn’s story is one of resilience, healing, and hope. Her voice is a testament to the strength of survivors everywhere. Don’t miss this compelling and important conversation.

In this month’s gripping two-part series, Justice in Action takes you back 15 years to one of the first major internet crimes against children in our community. In Episode 10, we walk through the disturbing details of State v. Rolfe, where investigators uncovered not only possession of child sexual abuse materials, but also evidence of their creation—crimes committed against a local child. You’ll hear how law enforcement and prosecutors built the case, piece by piece, leading to a powerful courtroom battle in 2011.Then, in Episode 11, we hear directly from Ashtyn, the survivor at the heart of the case. Now a young woman, Ashtyn opens up about what it was like to testify as a child, how the trauma shaped her journey, and why she’s choosing to speak out now. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and hope—and a powerful reminder of the impact of justice.

The internet can be a powerful tool, but it also comes with hidden dangers—especially for children. In this episode, we sit down with Forensic Examiner Hollie Strand from the local Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit to uncover the critical work ICAC does in prosecuting crimes against children. Hollie shares eye-opening insights and actionable advice to help parents and internet users safeguard themselves and their families in an increasingly connected world. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to navigate the digital landscape safely.

In Part 2 of Breaking the Cycle, Public Information Officer Katy Urban speaks with three graduates who shared their personal journeys from addiction to recovery. Their stories are raw, inspiring, and a testament to resilience.

In this episode, we sit down with members of the Pennington County Drug Court team to explore how this innovative program works, how it saves taxpayers money, transforms lives, and ultimately makes our community safer.

In this episode, we sit down with UNET (Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team) leader Sergeant Thad Mason to discuss the latest drug trends impacting South Dakota.Have a tip about illegal drug activity?Call the UNET Tip Line at 605-394-1884. You can leave your name and phone number or remain anonymous if you prefer. All messages will be forwarded to agents throughout the state for investigation.

Today’s episode is a little different from our usual format. In this episode, State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel takes us through a challenging and emotional case involving the rape of a 14-year-old girl by a known violent offender. You will hear how this case unfolded over three years—from the initial assault to the final sentencing.We’ll walk you through the highs and lows, from building trust with the victim to losing contact, supporting her through heart-wrenching testimony, and everything in between. Our goal today is to give you a detailed look at the complexities of prosecuting these cases and to highlight why victim advocates are such a vital part of our team and our justice system.Thank you for joining us, and let’s dive in.

In this episode of Justice In Action, we’re joined by school resource officer leaders from both the Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff's Office to dive into the critical topic of school safety. With recent threats impacting schools nationwide, these experts share insights on the proactive steps they’re taking to protect our students, staff, and community. We also discuss how the juvenile justice system holds juvenile offenders accountable, ensuring that consequences reinforce the importance of maintaining a secure learning environment. Tune in to hear how our law enforcement and justice system are working together to keep our schools safe.

Episode 3 of Justice in Action we take a hard look at one of the most tragic domestic violence cases in Pennington County's history. This episode delves into the story of Chari Smith and Sherin Harris, who were brutally attacked in 2001. Hear from those closest to the case—and learn about the sweeping reforms in domestic violence protections that followed. Law enforcement is required to attend domestic violence training every four years.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help immediately. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and resources. Additionally, we have put links to local resources below. Remember, you are not alone, and help is just a call away.  WAVI where all women are honered Victims’ Services Shelter Map | SD DPS Shirley Speaks Foundation - Shirley Speaks Foundation What To Do If You Are Being Stalked | Stalking Awareness & Prevention | SPARC South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault | Together, we are The Network.

In Episode 2, we’re diving deep into the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. We’ll explore our role in mental commitment hearings, uncover the trends we’re seeing, and break down how the commitment process works. Plus, we’ll sit down with local mental health professionals to discuss the vital resources available for those in need of support.It’s an eye-opening conversation that you won’t want to miss.*Correction: In this episode, State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel mistakenly stated that the maximum penalty for a possession of a controlled substance charge is two years. In South Dakota, the correct maximum penalty for possession of a controlled substance is five years.

The Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office new podcast, Justice In Action gives you an insider’s perspective on the critical issues shaping public safety in our community.Think of it as your backstage pass, where we pull back the curtain on the topics that matter most—from mental health challenges and drug trends to violent crime and everything in between. Each month, we’ll dive deep into our case archives, revisiting headline-making cases that have had a lasting impact on our community.Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you enjoy the series!