A South Dakota state lawmaker is facing serious legal trouble following allegations tied to election documents.
In Sioux Falls, State Senator Tom Pischke has been charged with two felony counts of filing false or forged instruments connected to the Republican primary election.
Authorities say the charges stem from an investigation that began in late March, when the Minnehaha County Auditor received multiple candidacy forms that appeared to have similar handwriting.
Investigators later identified Pischke’s handwriting as a possible match. They also found inconsistencies between addresses listed on the forms and official voter registration records.
According to court documents, investigators contacted 16 individuals whose names appeared on the paperwork. Most said they either did not sign the forms or were unsure about them. A dozen people also reported they were never asked to run for the precinct positions listed.
Surveillance footage then reportedly showed a vehicle matching one registered to Pischke depositing envelopes containing the forms. Forensic testing later found DNA on the envelopes consistent with Pischke.
Pischke denied the allegations when questioned by investigators.
The Republican lawmaker turned himself in on Tuesday and was released on a personal recognizance bond. An initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Each charge carries a possible penalty of up to two years in prison and a four-thousand-dollar fine.
Pischke was recently re-elected to a third term in the state Senate and currently serves as majority whip.
His attorney says the senator is cooperating but declined further comment.
Meanwhile, a Democratic candidate for Secretary of State called the allegations “deeply troubling,” citing concerns about public trust in the election process.
The investigation remains ongoing.
