The state commission overseeing law enforcement officers has revoked the certification of Mellette County Sheriff Mike Blom.
Attorney General Marty Jackley's office issued a statement Tuesday saying Blom engaged in conduct "unbecoming a law enforcement officer" while in a romantic relationship with a woman on probation for drug charges.
According to the statement, Blom, the woman, and another couple went to several bars in different towns one night in November of 2023. Blom bought alcohol for the woman, despite knowing this was a violation of her court-ordered probation conditions.
That same night, the other couple became involved in an assault in Blom's vehicle while he was driving.
"Blom did not take appropriate action or report the assault to law enforcement," the statement said, adding that he was "dishonest" when investigators later questioned him about the incident.
The South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to revoke Blom's law enforcement certification. Jackley said this action does not remove Blom from office, but it does take away his law enforcement power and authority.
Blom can appeal the decision to a circuit court.