RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Corrections is notifying law enforcement and the public about the upcoming release of a state prison inmate classified as a high risk for future violence.
Forty-two-year-old Joseph Cook is scheduled to be released September 25th after serving his full sentence for a Pennington County controlled substance conviction. Corrections officials say it is his third incarceration in the South Dakota prison system.
According to the Department of Corrections, Cook has a history of violent criminal behavior, including sexual offenses, and was assessed as a high risk for future violence. Officials also say he declined treatment while incarcerated.
Because Cook has completed his sentence, he must be released and will not be subject to parole supervision. Authorities expect him to reside in Rapid City.
The Department of Corrections says the public notice is being issued in addition to standard notifications provided to law enforcement agencies and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
