Former state employee sentenced for issuing herself a medical marijuana card
- barneyelias0
- 5 minutes ago
- 1 min read
September 30 2025
The Case
Alexandra Feiner, 24, a former South Dakota Department of Health employee, received two years’ probation and a $500 fine. She pleaded guilty to a felony for illegally issuing herself a medical cannabis card in March 2024.
Details
Feiner bypassed the medical provider certification and required fee. Her suspended sentence means no prison time if probation terms are met.
Broader Context
Attorney General Marty Jackley prosecuted six former state employees since 2023 for misconduct. Crimes ranged from food voucher misuse to stealing $1.8 million from the Department of Social Services.
“The behavior of one should not reflect poorly on the majority,” Jackley said.
State Response
Legislation: Four 2025 bills expanded auditor powers, strengthened internal controls, mandated employee reporting, and protected whistleblowers.
Executive Action: Gov. Larry Rhoden’s April 2025 executive order created a secure whistleblower portal.
Oversight: 2025 laws empowered the Government Operations and Audit Committee to issue subpoenas.
Training: Former Gov. Kristi Noem ordered annual anti-crime training and added an internal control officer in 2024.
Impact
The case highlights efforts to curb state employee misconduct. South Dakota’s 14,000 workers face stricter oversight to maintain public trust.
Comments