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Former South Dakota State Employee Pleads Guilty in Criminal Case Involving Fraudulent Vehicle Title

Former DMV worker sentenced to probation, restitution after admitting to using fake title for tax evasion

A former South Dakota state employee has pleaded guilty to charges related to fraud, following accusations that she used her position to manipulate vehicle registration processes. Lynne Hunsley, 64, of Pierre, was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after she admitted to creating a fake travel-trailer title to avoid paying excise taxes on a vehicle.

Hunsley, who previously worked for the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), was charged with seven criminal offenses in October 2024, including five felonies. The charges stemmed from an investigation into her alleged use of a forged vehicle title in 2021. She had purportedly used the fraudulent title to claim a trade-in credit on a vehicle purchase, thereby evading the excise taxes that would have otherwise been due.

A Plea Deal and Consequences

At a court hearing on December 29, 2024, Hunsley pleaded guilty to two of the charges: forgery and grand theft by deception. In exchange for her guilty plea, a judge sentenced her to three years of probation, along with a $1,000 fine and $1,200 in restitution to the state. Additionally, Hunsley’s potential four-year prison sentence was suspended, meaning she will avoid jail time unless she violates the terms of her probation.

Hughes County Courthouse

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued a statement following the sentencing, emphasizing that the case reflects a broader effort to hold state employees accountable for any breaches of public trust. “The defendant has accepted responsibility for her actions and is being held accountable for violating the public’s trust,” Jackley said. “As attorney general, I will continue to protect taxpayer dollars and restore the public’s trust in state government.”

The Broader Context: A Growing Pattern of State Employee Criminal Cases

Hunsley is far from the only state employee to face criminal charges in recent months. Her case follows closely on the heels of other incidents that have raised concerns about the behavior of government workers. Among the most notable is the case of Sandra O’Day, a former state employee who allegedly falsified vehicle titles to secure bank loans. O’Day’s actions came to light after her death, but no charges were filed against her due to the timing of the investigation.

This string of allegations has prompted increased scrutiny of the state’s hiring and oversight processes. State officials have stressed that cases like these damage public trust and lead to greater scrutiny of government operations.

Key Takeaways from Hunsley’s Case:

  • Charges: Seven charges, including five felonies, related to the use of a fake vehicle title.
  • Sentence: Three years of probation, $1,000 fine, and $1,200 in restitution.
  • Suspended Jail Time: Hunsley avoided serving four years in prison unless she violates her probation.

The case has also sparked discussions about how the state can better protect against similar fraudulent behavior in the future, especially given the wide-reaching implications of government employees abusing their positions for personal gain.

A Trend of Alleged Fraud in State Employment

Hunsley’s conviction is a part of a troubling trend in South Dakota. A handful of state employees have recently found themselves at the center of fraud-related charges, casting a shadow over the credibility of state services. As officials continue to crack down on these issues, there’s growing concern about how to strengthen internal controls to prevent future breaches.

The South Dakota Attorney General’s office has expressed a commitment to ensuring that similar cases are dealt with swiftly and justly. Their ongoing work aims to maintain the integrity of public offices and assure citizens that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

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