Volesky 'Embarrassed And Remorseful’

HURON, SD - Ron Volesky ran for governor, attorney general, and at one time wanted to be on the South Dakota Supreme Court.

This weekend the former state lawmaker and Huron attorney will spend his time in the Beadle County Jail.

Ron Volesky pleaded guilty to simple assault Friday morning for hitting an elderly friend with a belt during an incident back in July.

The entire case took about 20 minutes to unfold Friday. Volesky was charged Friday morning, appeared in court, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three days in jail.

Volesky didn't make any comments on his way to jail but in court his attorney said the former politician is ‘embarrassed and remorseful.’

Volesky is currently an attorney and has made a living representing clients in the Beadle County Courthouse.

"When I found out who the defendant was I was very shocked," Beadle County State's Attorney Mike Moore said.

Moore excused himself from the case because he has had a professional and personal relationship with Volesky during his 17 years as a prosecutor, but Moore took the first phone call about the case back in July.

"I received a call from a medical provider under the mandatory reporting law that had just gone into effect on July 1," Moore said.

The crime that got Volesky in trouble happened on July 5, just days after the mandatory reporting law took affect, and days after Volesky made closing arguments in a Huron murder case.

Volesky and a female friend, who is over the age of 65, were drinking at Volesky's house in Huron. Volesky hit her with a belt, leaving bruises on her back and face. The injuries were reported later by a medical professional under the new elder-abuse reporting law.

"Had that law not been passed this crime probably would not have been reported to us," Moore said.

After pleading guilty Volesky began serving his jail time immediately Friday.

But, he was not only sentenced to three days in jail he was also put on the 24/7 program and has to wear an ankle bracelet because alcohol was involved.

And now the attorney who was a legislator and candidate for several top offices in the state is serving time behind bars.

"I like Ron. I respect Ron. When I found out that he was the alleged perpetrator I was shocked and I was very disappointed to find that out," Moore said.

Volesky has also completed anger management classes, which was part of his plea agreement.

As far as the status of his law license, because it's a misdemeanor, the clerk of courts in Beadle County can forward the case onto the Supreme Court and if they find the crime is serious enough Volesky can be suspended.

Read the court documents in the case by clicking on the link below.