Three people connected to the GEAR UP program and Mid-Central Education Cooperative have been arraigned on accusations of fraud and financial crimes. Stacy Phelps, Dan Guericke, and Stephanie Hubers each pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake Andes.
Marty Jackley is South Dakota’s Attorney General.
"When we investigate into matters, we find what we believe looks like inappropriate or criminal conduct, is to move forward in order to hold those accountable - but to ensure during that process that the proceedings are fair, that the defendants receive all of their constitutional rights including that presumption of innocence, and to present our case to the jury through either witnesses or documents, and let the jury ultimately decide whether or not somebody needs to be held accountable and whether or not all of the elements to the various different offenses have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt," Jackley says.
Jackley says the court can expect any additional charges within the next 60 days. He says those could apply to these three defendants or people involved who don’t face charges right now.
