PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced that Brown County State’s Attorney Ernest Thompson has been hired as an assistant attorney general for his office.

“Ernest Thompson brings valuable experience and a proven record as a criminal prosecutor,” said Attorney General Jackley.

Thompson served 12 years in the U.S. Army, including one year as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thompson received his law degree in 2015 and became the Brown County Deputy State’s Attorney in 2016. He became the Brown County State’s Attorney in 2020.

While serving in the Brown County State’s Attorney’s Office, Thompson litigated both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, proposed legislation relating to certain drug offenses in the state and served on the South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association Board of Directors.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Brown County and I look forward to that same opportunity on a statewide basis,” Thompson said.

Ernest Thompson is scheduled to join the Attorney General’s office in Pierre June 1.