South Dakota Democrats are reinstating Senator-elect Reynold Nesiba after prosecutors say they’re dropping charges of sexual conduct without consent.
The Minnehaha County State’s Attorney says they found inconsistencies in evidence upon further investigation.
Minority Leader Senator Billie Sutton says the allegations against Nesiba are serious. Sutton says the Democratic caucus met this morning to
“I spoke with him and let him know what our decision was… Even with the previous decision to put him on a leave of absence he was very understanding and very good about everything," Sutton says. "He’s happy, I think, to be back and be a member of our caucus and to move forward with getting things done for South Dakota.”
Nesiba was arrested in November, following allegations of unwanted sexual contact in September.
Nesiba’s reinstatement means Democrats will keep 16 lawmakers in Pierre for the coming session.
Lawmakers gather Tuesday in Pierre for the start of the 2017 legislative session.