The 11 inmates charged in a recent disturbance at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls are pleading not guilty to all counts.
According to the South Dakota Department of Corrections, most face charges of intentional damage to property or reckless burning.
One inmate, 45-year-old Joshua Vortherms, faces the most serious charges – including two counts of aggravated assault on a correctional officer.
The charges stem from an incident in March. Attorney Marty Jackley said during a "coordinated disturbance," two prison guards were assaulted and there was an attempt to break prison gates.
Officials said their trials are tentatively scheduled to begin in August.
