South Dakota AG Details March Criminal Division Accomplishments and Verdicts

AG: South Dakota Press Releases

Filed March 25th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

The South Dakota Attorney General's Office announced significant accomplishments by its Criminal Division in March 2026, including multiple major jury trials and homicide verdicts. The report highlights convictions in a Pennington County double-homicide, Minnehaha County penitentiary violence, Union County attempted murder of law enforcement officers, and a Turner County triple-homicide trial.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The South Dakota Attorney General's Office has issued a press release detailing the outcomes of several high-profile criminal cases prosecuted by its Criminal Division during March 2026. Key outcomes include convictions in a Pennington County double-homicide case resulting in life sentences for three defendants, a Minnehaha County conviction for aggravated assault and robbery within the penitentiary, a Union County conviction for attempted murder of law enforcement officers, and a Turner County conviction for three counts of first-degree murder.

These announcements underscore the division's active role in prosecuting violent crimes across the state. Compliance officers should note the successful prosecution of complex cases and the imposition of significant sentences, including life imprisonment. While this document is informational, it highlights the state's commitment to criminal justice and victim advocacy, potentially influencing risk assessments for entities operating within or interacting with the South Dakota legal system. No specific compliance actions are mandated by this release, but it serves as an indicator of enforcement priorities.

Penalties

Life sentences imposed in Pennington County case; sentencing pending for Minnehaha County case; sentencing scheduled for Union County and Turner County cases.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Marty Jackley

A TTORNEY OFFICE OF THE
SOUTH DAKOTA G ENERAL

Home >> Our Office >> Media >> Press Releases
Additional Resources

Attorney General Jackley Announces Major March Accomplishments by AG’s Criminal Division
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, **** Communications Director, 605-773-6878

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announces significant accomplishments by the Attorney General’s Criminal Division throughout the month of March, highlighting a series of major jury trials, homicide verdicts, and statewide collaboration among prosecutors and law enforcement.

“This has been an extraordinary month of trial work across South Dakota,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Our Criminal Division has taken on multiple complex and violent‑crime prosecutions at once, delivering justice for victims while demonstrating exceptional professionalism and teamwork.”

Throughout March, the Division managed several high‑stakes jury trials simultaneously, including:

Pennington County Double‑Homicide
A two‑week jury trial resulted in convictions for all three defendants responsible for the double‑murder. Sentencing was imposed March 13, with Montell Olivera receiving three life sentences, and co‑defendants Dillon Wilson and Erin Provancial each receiving life sentences. This case was one of the most significant homicide prosecutions handled by the Division in recent years and required extensive coordination across offices.

Minnehaha County Penitentiary Violence
On March 12, a jury convicted Jeremiah Hart of two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of First‑Degree Robbery related to a stabbing and robbery inside the penitentiary. Sentencing will proceed following completion of the Pre-Sentence Investigation.

Union County Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
On March 18, a jury convicted Samir Albaidhani of seven felony counts, including three counts of Attempted First‑Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, three counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, and Aggravated Eluding. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1.

Turner County Triple‑Homicide Trial
On March 20, a jury convicted Jay Ostrem of three counts of First Degree Murder that occurred in Centerville. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14.

“Managing a statewide trial schedule of this magnitude takes a deep bench, strong preparation, and unwavering teamwork. I am grateful for the office’s attorneys and staff across divisions who stepped in to support one another and ensure that every case received the attention it deserved,” Jackley said.

The Attorney General also noted that this month’s results reflect the Division’s commitment to protecting South Dakota communities and delivering justice for victims and law enforcement.

-30-

Conference of Western Attorneys General | National Association of Attorneys General