Gov. Kristi Noem has chosen the lead prosecutor from the impeachment trial of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg as Ravnsborg's interim replacement.
The state Senate removed Ravnsborg from office last week at the conclusion of a one-day impeachment trial.
Mark Vargo was the lead prosecutor during the Senate trial. He is currently the state's attorney for Pennington County and intends to return to that office after his term as interim attorney general is finished, according to a news release.
Vargo said in the release that he is "deeply humbled" by Noem's appointment.
In November, voters will elect an attorney general to serve a four-year term. Republicans recently nominated a former attorney general, Marty Jackley. Democrats will hold their nominating convention next month.
Vargo said he supports Jackley's candidacy. Vargo will serve as interim attorney general until the new attorney general's term begins in January.
