A longtime South Dakotan is taking the reins of the state's lone maximum security prison facility.

South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko announced in an Aug. 11 press release Interim Warden Tabatha Benting was permanently promoted to warden of the G. Norton Jameson Annex, a maximum security prison unit adjacent to the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

Benting previously served as associate warden and has worked with the DOC for more than 19 years in multiple roles, including correctional officer and various ranked positions at both the Jameson Annex and the state pen.

“I am very proud of Warden Benting as she has provided integral leadership to the Jameson Annex over the last six months,” Wasko stated. “I look forward to her future with the SDDOC.”

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