Charges filed in death of Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff

(SD Office of the Attorney General)
Published: Feb. 5, 2024 at 1:19 PM EST
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PIERRE, S.D. (KEVN) - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Joseph Gene Hoek of Sioux Falls has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding for the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok last Friday afternoon.

Hoek appeared for his initial court hearing on Monday at the Moody County Courthouse in Flandreau, and he is currently being held without bond.

“These charges are based on the evidence including that set forth in the probable cause affidavit,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Chief Deputy Prorok’s family. I appreciate the diligent investigation conducted by the State Division of Criminal Investigation, the Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies.”

The first-degree murder charge is a class A felony that carries a maximum sentence of death or life without parole and/or a $50,000 fine. The aggravated e3luding charge is a class 6 Felony that carries a maximum sentence of two years in the state prison and/or a $4,000 fine.

The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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