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Roberts County Sheriff's Office, 11924 BIA Highway 700, Sisseton, SD (2026)

09/03/2026

🚔 GOOD POLICE WORK = M**H OFF OUR STREETS

Sometimes good police work starts with something that simply doesn’t look right.

On the night of September 1, Roberts County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sudbeck began as a traffic stop, for a routine traffic violation, quickly became something more.

During the stop, Deputy Sudbeck noticed several indicators that raised his suspicion of possible criminal activity. He stayed curious, trusted his training and experience, and continued investigating.

Deputy Sudbeck requested assistance from SWO Tribal Police Officer Lance Haug and K9 Grayz. After K9 Grayz gave a positive indication for narcotics, a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately 8.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, paraphernalia, syringes, and $636 in cash.

Kyle Robert Jeffers of Wheaton, Minnesota, who has ties to the Sisseton area, and his passenger were arrested on charges including Possession of a Controlled Substance and Distribution of a Controlled Drug, along with other drug-related charges.

Based on information developed through law enforcement investigations, Jeffers is alleged to have been a source of methamphetamine in the Wheaton, Browns Valley, and Sisseton areas for some time.

The street value of 8.8 grams of methamphetamine may only be measured in hundreds of dollars—but that number doesn't begin to reflect its true cost.

M**h destroys lives and families. Its cost is measured in addiction, neglected children, lost jobs, crime, emergency calls, jail stays, and communities left dealing with the aftermath.

This case is a great example of proactive police work and cooperation between agencies. Deputy Sudbeck noticed something unusual and followed his observations where they led. Officer Haug and K9 Grayz provided the assistance needed to help take another quantity of methamphetamine off our streets.

Drugs don't recognize city, county, tribal, or state boundaries—and neither can the partnerships used to combat them.

Great work, Deputy Sudbeck, Officer Haug, and K9 Grayz.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations, and the investigation remains ongoing.

08/24/2026

PRIVATE PROPERTY, SPEED ENFORCEMENT & LAW ENFORCEMENT — LET’S CLEAR UP A FEW THINGS

We recently became aware of a social media post questioning whether a Roberts County Sheriff’s Deputy was legally allowed to park in the parking lot of a privately owned, currently unoccupied business.

We appreciate questions from the public, and this provides a good opportunity to explain what South Dakota law actually says; but also to explain a little about how modern law enforcement actually operates.

First, privately owned property does not automatically mean that anyone who enters the property is trespassing.

South Dakota's criminal trespass law, SDCL 22-35-6, addresses circumstances where a person knowingly enters or remains on property after notice against trespass has been given, including through signs, fencing/enclosure, or communication from the property owner or someone authorized by the owner.

In this particular situation, the parking lot was open and accessible from the roadway. There were no "No Trespassing" or "No Parking" signs, no gate or fence restricting access, and the Sheriff's Office has received no request from the property owner prohibiting law enforcement from being there.

South Dakota courts have also recognized that law enforcement officers performing lawful official duties may have authority to enter private property under appropriate circumstances.

It is also important to understand that private ownership and public accessibility are two different things. Many parking lots at businesses, stores, restaurants and other establishments are privately owned while remaining openly accessible to the public. Private ownership alone does not establish criminal trespass.

There was also an allegation that conducting speed enforcement from such a location would constitute "entrapment." That is incorrect.

Entrapment generally involves law enforcement inducing someone to commit an offense. A deputy observing traffic does not cause a driver to speed. Drivers remain responsible for obeying the posted speed limit regardless of whether they can see a patrol vehicle.

For clarity, the deputy involved indicated that he was not actively operating radar at the time and was completing work from his patrol vehicle.

And that brings us to something we think is worth talking about.

The dynamics of law enforcement have changed drastically in recent years.

The Roberts County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing law enforcement services across just over 1,100 square miles with limited staffing. That creates challenges, and those challenges have required us to adapt.

Today, a squad car isn't simply transportation from the Sheriff's Office to a call.

It is a mobile office.

Our deputies write reports, review information, complete paperwork, answer emails, receive calls, communicate with Dispatch, coordinate with neighboring law enforcement agencies and remain connected to the public — all from their patrol vehicles.

There is a reason for that.

If every deputy had to return to the Sheriff's Office every time they needed to complete paperwork or administrative work, that deputy could be many miles away when the next emergency call comes in.

Instead, they can find a safe place to park, open their computer and get some work done while remaining out in the communities they serve and ready to respond.

In this instance, that's exactly what the deputy said he was doing.

Think about your own workplace for a moment:

When was the last time someone walked up to your office chair and confronted you about what you were doing while you were working?

For many of our deputies, that office chair happens to be sitting behind the steering wheel of a patrol car.

We understand that a marked patrol vehicle parked somewhere may generate curiosity. You're absolutely allowed to wonder what we're doing. You're allowed to ask questions. You're even allowed to disagree with us.

But seeing a patrol vehicle parked alongside a building doesn't necessarily mean a deputy is "hiding" or running a "speed trap." Sometimes what you're seeing is simply a deputy trying to finish a report while remaining available for the next call.

We also want to clarify one statement made during the interaction. Referring to the parking lot as "public property" was not the best description. The property may certainly be privately owned. The more accurate distinction is that privately owned property can still be open and accessible to the public, and private ownership alone does not establish criminal trespass.

If the actual property owner contacts our office and requests that deputies not use their property for routine purposes, we will certainly have that conversation and respect legitimate property rights. Different considerations may apply when officers are responding to calls, investigating crimes, executing lawful process, handling emergencies, or otherwise performing duties authorized by law.

We expect our deputies to follow the law just as we expect the public to follow the law. We aren't above criticism, and we aren't above answering questions.

Questions are welcome. Disagreement is okay. But when questions about the law arise, we believe the best response is education, conversation and accurate information.

And maybe the next time you see one of our deputies sitting in a squad car with a laptop open, remember:

You might not be looking at a "speed trap." You might just be looking at their office.

Stay safe, Roberts County.

— Roberts County Sheriff's Office

08/21/2026

🚔 FRIDAY’S FINEST DECISIONS 🚔

Because sometimes the report writes the Facebook post for us…

Welcome to Friday’s Finest Decisions, where we share some of the more memorable situations our deputies encounter while patrolling Roberts County.

This morning, a Roberts County Deputy was traveling on I-29 when his radar clocked a vehicle traveling 94 MPH in an 80 MPH zone.

After stopping the vehicle, the Deputy began noticing signs that perhaps speed wasn't going to be the biggest issue of the morning.

The driver denied drinking alcohol. The two cups sitting in the center console?

“Pepsi.”

Fair enough.

A preliminary breath test later administered.

Result: .198% BrAC.

Turns out the Pepsi had a little more personality than advertised. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the Deputy located a bottle of vodka approximately one-third consumed. One cup reportedly contained Pepsi mixed with vodka.

The other?

Just vodka.

But this is Friday’s Finest Decisions, so naturally the story doesn't end there.

While searching the vehicle, the Deputy placed his knee on the driver's seat.

That's when he made another discovery.

The driver had urinated on the seat.

So somewhere in the middle of investigating an alleged fourth DUI, dealing with vehicle registration issues, contacting probation, inventorying property and waiting for a tow truck, our Deputy unexpectedly took a knee directly into the evidence nobody asked him to collect.

There are moments in law enforcement training that prepare you for difficult situations.

There are other moments that simply prepare you to throw your uniform in the washing machine.

The driver was arrested for DUI and transported to the Roberts County Jail. The investigation also indicated the driver has three prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years.

As always, criminal charges are allegations, and every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Today’s lesson from Friday’s Finest Decisions:
If you're going to tell the Deputy it's Pepsi, make sure it's actually Pepsi.

DISCLAIMER:
Friday’s Finest Decisions is intended to add a little humor to our page while giving the public a glimpse into the sometimes strange, unpredictable, and occasionally messy reality our deputies encounter on the job.

We also want to be clear: in no way is this post intended to make light of addiction, alcoholism, or the very real challenges faced by people and families struggling with substance use. Behind the humor are real people, real families, and situations that can have very serious consequences.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. There are resources available, and asking for help can be the first step toward changing the direction you're headed.

And, if nothing else, getting that help may just save your car seats—and an unsuspecting deputy’s uniform—from needing a very deep cleaning. 😬

Stay safe. Don't drink and drive. Take care of each other.

— Roberts County Sheriff’s Office

08/05/2026

Last night's National Night Out was everything we hoped it would be... and more.

As I stood back and watched hundreds of people filling Drenttel Park, kids laughing, families visiting, first responders connecting with the community, and lines for food, ice cream, and fresh-squeezed lemonade that never seemed to end, I couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful.

There simply aren't enough words to thank everyone who helped make this event possible.

To our Sheriff's Office staff and families, Sisseton Police Department, Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Police, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Sisseton Fire Department, Grant-Roberts Ambulance, Dispatch, our many community partners, volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, and donors—you brought this vision to life. Every one of you gave your time, energy, resources, and talents to create something truly special for our community.

Most importantly, thank you to our community.

The turnout was absolutely overwhelming. Seeing so many families choose to spend their evening with us is something we don't take for granted. The smiles, conversations, kids interacting with officers, and neighbors simply enjoying time together are exactly what National Night Out is all about.

This year's new additions were an incredible success! The Children's Scavenger Hunt, SFD Duck Races, and the Hot Dog Eating Contest were huge hits.

Every year we ask ourselves how we can make National Night Out even better than the year before. I can already promise you—we're already thinking about next year. We'll continue looking for new ideas, new activities, and new ways to bring our community together because this has become one of the highlights of our year.

Thank you for believing in this event. Thank you for supporting your local first responders. Thank you for reminding us why community policing matters.

We are incredibly blessed to serve a community that continually shows up for one another.

Until next year... thank you, Roberts County. 💙🚔

***If you took pictures of last nights event and would be so kind as to add them in the comments below we would truly appreciate it.

07/28/2026

🚔🎉 Join Us for National Night Out! 🎉🚔

The Roberts County Sheriff's Office, Sisseton Police Department, SWO Police Dept, SD Highway Patrol, and our many public safety partners invite you and your family to National Night Out!

📅 Tuesday, August 4
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Drenttel Park – Sisseton

National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to strengthen police-community partnerships, heighten crime prevention awareness, and bring neighbors together for an evening of fun, food, and family activities. We hope you'll join us for one of our favorite community events of the year!

🎉 Activities Include:

🎪 Bouncy Houses
💦 Hydrant Party
🎯 Dunk Tank
🚓 Meet Your Local First Responders & Explore Emergency Vehicles
🎨 Decorate Your Own Wooden Police Badge
🪨 Rock Painting
✨ Hair Tinseling
🎭 Temporary Tattoos
🌭 Emergency Responder Hot Dog Eating Contest
🔍 Children's Scavenger Hunt (Complete the hunt and receive a coupon for your choice of:)
🍦 A FREE Ice Cream from OG Ice Cream
🧋 A FREE Boba Tea from 3 Bean Coffee
🍋 A FREE Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade from Madeline's
🦆 Sisseton Fire Dept Duck Races at 5:45 PM
🍦 Ice Cream Truck
🏊‍♂️Free open swimming at Sisseton Swimming Pool
🎉 ...AND MORE!

🌭 Food Menu:
🌭 Hot Dogs
🌶️ Chili Dogs
🌭 Brats
🥬 Sauerkraut
🫘 Baked Beans
🥔 Chips
💧 Bottled Water

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the men and women who serve our community, learn more about public safety, and enjoy a fun evening with family, friends, and neighbors.

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, partner agencies, and businesses helping make this event possible. Your support helps strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community we proudly serve.

We can't wait to see you on Tuesday, August 4th! Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and come enjoy an evening of fun, food, and community.💙

07/24/2026

Another day, another scooter escape...

Yesterday, while assisting in our front office during PBT testing, one of our local parolees came in for their scheduled breath test. As part of their supervision requirements, they were advised they'd also need to complete a standard UA requested by their parole agent.

Instead of taking the test... they decided their best option was to sprint out of the building, hop on an electric scooter, and launch off the curb like they were trying out for the X Games. Unfortunately for them, the getaway vehicle topped out at about the same speed as a determined jog.

They were later located and admitted to recently using methamphetamine.

Before anyone misreads this post...

This is NOT about making fun of addiction.

Addiction is real, it's devastating, and recovery is absolutely possible. We have some incredible people in our community doing amazing work. Organizations like Sober Connections are giving people hope, support, accountability, and a path to recovery. Their success stories are proof that change is possible when someone is ready to accept help.

This post is about accountability.

As sheriff, one of the most frustrating things to watch is the revolving door that can occur with parole violations. We arrest someone on a parole detainer. We book them into jail. We complete the paperwork. Then, too often, they're right back in the community after another violation with little meaningful intervention.

Looking at just this one history, there have been multiple parole detainers and parole holds in roughly the past year and a half.

To be clear, this is not a criticism of the local parole agents. They work hard, they're out in the field, and they're doing exactly what they're supposed to do. They're often the ones requesting the holds because they recognize the violations.

My concern is whether the system, as a whole, is providing enough meaningful follow-through when those violations keep occurring.

At some point we have to ask ourselves:

If someone repeatedly violates parole, repeatedly uses controlled substances, repeatedly gets arrested on parole detainers, and repeatedly returns to the community without meaningful change... is the system accomplishing what it was designed to do?

The goal of parole shouldn't simply be checking boxes.

It should be:

Holding people accountable.
Protecting the public.
Helping those who truly want recovery.
Intervening before someone overdoses, seriously hurts someone, or becomes the victim of another preventable tragedy.

Sometimes the most compassionate thing we can do isn't to ignore repeated violations; it's to intervene in a way that actually changes the trajectory.

Because eventually, the revolving door doesn't just wear out law enforcement...

It fails the person caught in addiction, it fails victims, and it fails the community we're all trying to protect.

***Comments are turned off this is just some Friday food for thought***

07/15/2026

Multi-State Investigation Leads to Arrest, Recovery of Stolen Property, and Drug-Related Charges

The Roberts County Sheriff's Office is committed to a simple mission: protecting our communities through accountability, professionalism, and strong partnerships. A recent investigation demonstrates exactly what that looks like in practice.

On July 2, 2026, Roberts County deputies responded to the Dakota Connection after receiving information that a stolen Bobcat skid steer from North Dakota had been located in the parking lot. As deputies began investigating, it quickly became apparent this was much larger than a single stolen piece of equipment.

Working alongside the very helpful Dakota Connection personnel, deputies apprehended the individual associated with the equipment and took him into custody without incident. As the investigation unfolded, investigators were contacted by multiple law enforcement agencies in North Dakota, including the McLean County Sheriff's Office and the Cass County Sheriff's Office, each reporting additional stolen property believed to be connected to the case.

During the investigation, deputies recovered:

-A stolen Bobcat skid steer valued at approximately $25,000
-Thousands of dollars' worth of suspected stolen Milwaukee and Makita tools
-A stolen moped
-Additional property believed to have been stolen from multiple victims in North Dakota.

As deputies continued their investigation, a search of the suspect's vehicle led to the discovery of a burnt glass pipe that field-tested positive for methamphetamine residue. Based on additional evidence developed during the investigation, search warrants were obtained, leading to the recovery of additional suspected methamphetamine and additional suspected stolen property.

The individual, Daniel Gay of New Town, North Dakota, was arrested in Roberts County and is facing South Dakota charges that include possession of a stolen vehicle, receiving stolen property, unauthorized ingestion of a controlled substance, and possession or use of drug paraphernalia. Additional investigations and potential charges remain under the jurisdiction of our law enforcement partners in North Dakota.

It is important to remember that these are allegations, and Mr. Gay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

For Sheriff Tyler Appel, the case reflects something much larger than a single arrest.

"Every stolen tool recovered represents someone who worked hard to earn it. Every stolen piece of equipment returned to its rightful owner helps restore what was taken from a business or family. Our job is to hold people accountable when probable cause exists while protecting the rights guaranteed to every individual under our justice system."

The investigation also highlights the value of partnerships between law enforcement agencies.

"Criminal activity doesn't stop at county or state lines, and neither should law enforcement. This case involved outstanding communication between the Roberts County Sheriff's Office, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Police Department, and our partners in North Dakota. When agencies work together and share information, we're able to recover stolen property, protect victims, and build stronger cases."

While investigations like this often begin with a single call for service, they frequently uncover broader criminal activity. Sheriff Appel says that is why every report is taken seriously.

"Accountability isn't just about making arrests—it's about protecting our communities, supporting victims, and ensuring that stolen property has the best opportunity to be returned to the people who earned it. That's what this investigation was about."

The Roberts County Sheriff's Office would like to recognize Deputy Devin Hamson for his thorough investigation, as well as the deputies, dispatchers, and our regional law enforcement partners whose teamwork and professionalism helped bring this investigation together.

Together, we remain committed to making Roberts County—and the surrounding region—a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.

07/14/2026

A Historic Month for the Roberts County Jail: More Than Just a Revenue Number

SISSETON, S.D. — At first glance, this may be one of those headlines that causes some people to pause.

"Roberts County Jail Generates Record Revenue."

For some, that headline may immediately bring thoughts that law enforcement is somehow profiting from incarceration or that success is measured by the number of people behind bars.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The reality is that crime in Roberts County has continued to trend downward, and while there are many factors that contribute to that, our mission has never changed. Success for the Roberts County Sheriff's Office is measured by safer neighborhoods, fewer victims, stronger partnerships, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars—not by the number of people housed in our jail.

So why is this milestone worth talking about?

During the month of June 2026, the Roberts County Jail generated $145,820 in revenue from housing out-of-county inmates, making it the highest revenue-producing month in the history of the Roberts County Jail.

That accomplishment wasn't driven by local crime. It was driven by years of intentionally transforming our jail into a trusted regional correctional facility.

Several years ago, we began asking ourselves a simple question:

How can we better utilize one of Roberts County's largest existing assets?

The Roberts County Jail was built to serve our community, but like many county facilities, there are times when available bed space exceeds local demand.

Rather than allowing those beds to sit empty while taxpayers continue paying the fixed costs of operating the facility, we began building relationships with neighboring counties, state agencies, our local tribal partners, and federal partners that needed safe, professional places to house inmates.

That meant changing the way we operated.

It meant demonstrating professionalism every day.

It meant earning the trust of agencies that could choose to house inmates anywhere in the region.

It meant proving that our correctional staff could safely manage increased inmate populations while maintaining the high standards expected of a modern correctional facility.

Those relationships weren't built overnight. They were earned.

Today, agencies continue to choose the Roberts County Jail because they know their inmates will be treated professionally, securely, and responsibly.

Why This Matters to Taxpayers

Operating a jail is one of the most significant responsibilities—and expenses—of county government.

Many of those costs exist whether the jail is half full or nearly full. Staffing, utilities, maintenance, security systems, and facility operations don't simply disappear because fewer local inmates are being housed.

By responsibly utilizing available capacity for contract inmates, Roberts County is able to generate revenue that helps offset those operational costs.

In other words, we're maximizing an existing county asset instead of asking local taxpayers to shoulder those expenses alone.

This is not about filling beds.

It's about making smarter use of the beds we already have.

While the revenue number is impressive, it doesn't tell the whole story.

Behind that number are correctional officers who work nights, weekends, holidays, and long shifts.

There are dispatchers coordinating transports and inmate movement.

There are supervisors balancing staffing, security, medical needs, and countless daily challenges.

There are support staff handling booking, records, court coordination, and inmate care.

Every member of our team has played a role in building a jail that other agencies trust.

As Sheriff, I couldn't be more proud of what they've accomplished.

Looking Ahead

Our goal isn't to become the biggest jail.

Our goal isn't to house the most inmates.

Our goal is to continue providing excellent correctional services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.

If we can safely assist neighboring agencies, strengthen partnerships across South Dakota and the region, generate revenue that offsets operational costs, and continue seeing crime trends move in the right direction here at home, then I believe that's a win for everyone.

This record-setting month wasn't about incarceration.

It was about innovation, partnership, fiscal responsibility, and the incredible work of the men and women who serve inside the Roberts County Jail every single day.

07/14/2026

🎉 Join Us for National Night Out 2026! 🚓🚒🍦

The Roberts County area law enforcement agencies and SD Hwy Patrol are excited to invite everyone to our 2026 National Night Out, and we can't wait to spend another great evening with the communities we proudly serve!

📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Drenttel Park – Sisseton, SD (located behinds Stillson's Service)

For the past two years, nearly 1,000 community members have joined us for National Night Out, making it one of our favorite events of the year. It's an opportunity to step away from the emergency calls and everyday responsibilities to simply spend time with the people we serve.

🌭 What's New This Year?

We've added a few exciting activities that we think everyone will enjoy!

🏆 Law Enforcement Hot Dog Eating Contest
Watch teams from the Roberts County Sheriff's Office, Sisseton Police Department, SWO Tribal Police, and other first responders battle it out to see who can eat the most hot dogs in five minutes. Bragging rights are definitely on the line!

🔍 Kids' Scavenger Hunt
Children will travel throughout the park collecting special items from our first responders. Once they complete the scavenger hunt, they'll earn a FREE ice cream cone! Along the way, they'll have the chance to meet deputies, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and many of our community partners.

🌭 Free Food
We'll once again be serving hot dogs—with even more toppings this year, including chili, cheese, and sauerkraut!

🚓 Emergency Vehicles & Equipment
Get up close with patrol vehicles, fire trucks, emergency equipment, and demonstrations from the men and women who protect our communities every day.

🤝 Thank You to Our Partners

National Night Out wouldn't be possible without the incredible partnership between the Roberts County Sheriff's Office, SD Highway Patrol, Sisseton Police Department, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Police Department, our local fire departments, EMS, community organizations, volunteers, and the many businesses and sponsors that generously support this event each year.

Your commitment to our communities is what makes this event such a tremendous success.

06/30/2026

UPDATE: MARTY LYNN HARMAN HAS BEEN LOCATED SAFE!!!
We are happy to share that Marty Lynn Harman has made contact with both her family and Sheriff Appel and has assured us that she is safe.

At this time, all other details will remain private out of respect for Marty's privacy and her family.

This incident serves as a reminder of just how powerful a small community can be when it comes together to look after one of its own. The outpouring of support over the past several days has been truly remarkable.

The Roberts County Sheriff's Office would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who:
Shared our post,
Called in information,
Assisted in searching,
Checked locations,

And kept Marty and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Every tip, every share, and every act of kindness made a difference.

Thank you, Roberts County, for once again demonstrating what makes our communities so special. We are grateful for each and every one of you.

Roberts County Sheriff's Office

09/03/2026

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