Jackley to announce criminal charges related to March 'disturbances' at state pen

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley will announce criminal charges related to the late March "disturbances" at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, according to a press release.

The charges will be announced at an 11 a.m. press conference Tuesday, according to the release, which did not include any details on the number or severity of the charges.

Details from state officials on what exactly occurred between in the two "disturbances," which occurred on March 27 and March 28, have been slim. A release on March 27 from Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said, “Order has been restored at the South Dakota State Penitentiary," and noted that a "staff assault" had occurred, though the extent of injuries was not clear.

Jackley had directed the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation to look into the incidents.

"It is the Attorney General’s intent to prosecute those responsible for any harm done to correctional officers, other inmates, and state property to the fullest extent of the law," he stated at the time.

More: DCI will investigate both nights of 'disturbance' at the South Dakota State Penitentiary

Beyond that, questions from the Argus Leader about the cause of the disturbances and other related info have largely received no answer, and several records requests have been denied. Those with family or friends inside the penitentiary have stated they believe the incidents were tied to the tablet suspension.

The "disturbances" took place several weeks after the DOC suspended calling and messaging services on inmate tablets, a move related to an investigation into what Gov. Kristi Noem has called "nefarious" uses of the tablet functions. Inmates could be heard from inside the prison chanting "We want phones" on the night of March 27.

Wasko also sent an email on March 29 stating that a search had recently begun for "illicit contraband in order to ensure the safety of the facility following a small group of offenders being disruptive."

More: 'It's almost dehumanizing:' South Dakota inmates' phone calls limited at prisons across state

The ability to make calls on the tablets was reinstated earlier this month, though now with a limit of five 20-minute calls per day. Messaging services remain offline.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota AG to announce criminal charges in prison 'disturbances'