Justice In Action

In this episode of Justice in Action, we sit down with prosecutors at three very different stages of their careers to talk honestly about what law school prepares attorneys for and what it absolutely does not. From handling traumatic cases and delivering difficult news to managing public scrutiny, emotional burnout, and overwhelming caseloads, this candid conversation explores the realities of prosecution that can only be learned through experience. State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel, Assistant Ch...

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 c...

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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 fo...

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.

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...

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 vi...

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...