Drug court graduate sentenced to prison after relapse – Mitchell Republic

Mitchell – A Mitchell resident was sentenced on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after a series of setbacks following his completion of the James Valley Drug Court program.

Jonah Boese, 38, received a five-year prison sentence, two of which were suspended after the court revoked his probation. Boese was originally on probation for a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance. He entered the James Valley Drug Court program in January 2023.

Boese completed the program on July 11, 2024, after being sober for 480 days. Although he completed the program, he tested positive for methamphetamine on July 23, 2024, just 12 days after graduating. He subsequently tested positive for both methamphetamine and fentanyl on August 13, 2024. According to a violation report, Boese also failed to attend a scheduled mental health and medication appointment.

The 53 days he had already spent in prison were credited to his time.

Prosecutor Robert O'Keefe expressed his disappointment at Boese's relapse, saying he had “burned all bridges” on his road to recovery.

Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in journalism in December 2000. While in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newspaper, The Collegian. She also interned at Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD in the summer of 2000. After graduating, Leither continued to live in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for several years.
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