SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -An evening memo to all South Dakota Department of Corrections staff confirmed news that had been circulating for hours on Tuesday, October 22nd.

Teresa Bittinger, Warden at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, is no longer in the position.

The memo, written to staff by Director of Prisons Amber Pirraglia, announced that effective immediately, Teresa Bittinger is no longer the Warden of the Sioux Falls complex.

“The decision was made after careful consideration and alignment with the goals and standards of our department,” said Pirraglia. ” A nationwide search is underway to fill both the warden position to manage the South Dakota State Penitentiary and a warden position to manage the Jameson prison and Sioux Falls Minimum Center.”

The memo thanks staff for their hard work and dedication and encourages any questions to be presented to the chain of command.

Assistant Wardens Rick Johnston and Tabatha Benting are directed to report directly to Pirraglia.

Bittinger became the permanent warden and a state employee on April 7, 2023. Bittinger was assigned as the interim warden of the State Penitentiary and Jameson Annex a month prior to gaining the position permanently.

In 2021, Governor Noem had appointed Dan Sullivan as the warden of the South Dakota State Penitentiary, following a series of firings within the Department of Corrections. Those firings stemmed from an anonymous open letter from a correctional officer regarding allegations of nepotism, favoritism and other issues at the penitentiary.