FLANDREAU, S.D., 30 August 2003 — US Rep. Bill Janklow was charged yesterday with second-degree manslaughter in the death of a motorcyclist in crash at a rural intersection earlier this month.
Janklow was driving an estimated 70 to 75 mph when his Cadillac went through a stop sign at the intersection, according to a Highway Patrol report. The motorcycle hit the congressman’s car, and the rider, Randolph E. Scott, 55, was killed.
Moody County State’s Attorney Bill Ellingson said yesterday that the facts of the case establish probable cause for second-degree manslaughter. He also filed three misdemeanor charges: failure to stop at a stop sign, speeding and reckless driving.
Ellingson said he ruled out the stronger charge of vehicular homicide, which requires the driver to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If convicted of second-degree manslaughter, Janklow could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A reckless driving conviction carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and the other two charges could bring up to 30 days in jail and $200 fines.
Janklow, who is recovering from injuries he sustained in the crash, was not immediately available for comment yesterday.
He was on his way home to Brandon after an event in Aberdeen and a stop in Flandreau when his car hit the motorcycle Aug. 16. Janklow broke his right hand and suffered a head injury in the crash.
Janklow, a Republican, is one of South Dakota’s most powerful politicians. He was elected to the state’s only US House seat last year and previously served 16 years as governor and four years as state attorney general.
