Rapid City, SD – The South Dakota Department of Corrections announced on Friday that a work‑release inmate has been missing after failing to report to his assigned job site. James Traversie, 41, left the Rapid City Minimum Center on Oct. 28 for his scheduled work‑release assignment but never arrived at the employer’s location.
Details of the missing inmate
Traversie is currently serving two separate sentences: one from Pennington County for possession of a controlled substance and another from Meade County for receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle. According to correctional officials, he stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs roughly 222 pounds, has black hair, brown eyes, and identifies as Native American.
Legal implications
Under South Dakota law, a failure to return to custody after a work assignment is classified as second‑degree escape, a Class 5 felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The Department of Corrections emphasized that the charge reflects the seriousness with which the state treats violations of work‑release conditions.
Public assistance requested
Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone who may have seen Traversie or who has information about his whereabouts to contact local police immediately. Tips can be provided anonymously through the Rapid City Police Department’s tip line or by calling the non‑emergency number.
Work‑release program context
Work‑release programs in South Dakota aim to help offenders transition back into the community by providing supervised employment opportunities while they serve their sentences. Participants are required to report to both their correctional facility and their designated workplace each day. Violations can result in additional charges, as illustrated by this case.
Community safety reminder
Officials reminded residents that public safety remains a top priority and that cooperation from the community is essential in locating missing individuals who may pose a risk. The search effort will continue until Traversie is located and returned to custody.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
