Former Corrections Employee Sentenced for Inmate Conspiracy

Madyson Bixby, a 22-year-old former employee of the South Dakota Department of Corrections, was sentenced after pleading guilty to compounding a felony and possession of an unauthorized article, specifically a cellphone intended for an inmate. She received a suspended sentence of two years in prison for each count, along with 48 months of probation. The charges arose from her involvement in a conspiracy to commit arson on a vehicle and her act of bringing a cellphone into the prison. Attorney General Marty Jackley criticized Bixby for violating the trust of the corrections system and emphasized the need for legislative changes to enhance accountability in cases like this. Prosecutors initially sought a four-year prison sentence, and Bixby is also required to pay nearly $9,300 in restitution. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and security in correctional facilities in South Dakota.