Gant investigation ‘suspicious’ timeline

l3wis August 6, 2012 9Comments

I first want to say when it was brought to my attention that SOS Jason Gant’s deputy was running an online campaign store, I never thought for a moment that anything illegal was being done. Only unethical, which apparently isn’t against the law in SD. I never once thought the operations director or Gant were ‘stealing’ any money from the state. This was always a question about ethical behavior. I think not only was I pretty clear about that, I think many other journalists, bloggers and even senator Adelstein was clear about that.

There has been discussion that Gant may have broken the law, or at least not enforced it, on the Gosch petitions, but it has NOTHING to do with stealing from the state.

That is why it was so bizarre when the AG released the results of his investigation and essentially said that neither Gant or Powers were stealing from the state. Duh. It was almost like the AG investigated something he already knew they were innocent of.

Read his results here; Jackley-Gant

But the release of the report on Tuesday, July 17 is even more bizarre. Why? Well let’s fill you in a bit.

The person who tipped me off about Power’s campaign website, ‘Guest Poster’ was basically anonymous to everyone but myself. He wanted to keep it that way, but I encouraged him to AT LEAST reveal his identity to Senator Adelstein to assist him with the investigation. It’s not like ‘Guest Poster’ is a nobody in the politics world of SD, he assisted many democrats and republicans over the years with campaigns, and is well known in those circles. He also has expertise in data mining, data security and Information Technology. He has made his living from it since the 1980’s.

So after he contacted Adelstein in an email and phone call, he sent the Senator this email suggesting how the investigation should at the very least move forward with all speed; Guestpostemail

Was this a ploy by either Adelstein OR by Jackley and the DCI to get the name of ‘Guest Poster’? Not sure, but it worked. The email went to the senator on Sunday July 15^th who in turn probably forwarded the email on Monday July 16 to DCI  – then magically the investigation is closed the next day.

Jackley and DCI only looked at the topic NOT brought up.  As stated from the beginning:

• This was an ethics discussion, not embezzlement or financial

• When it would not go away, it became a DCI “investigation”

• A show was put on to make like action was being taken

• Jackley and DCI reached a decision to clear the SOS of financial criminal activity

• Instead of answering simple questions with direct answers from Gant

• The subterfuge and games became a possible criminal conspiracy

• Now we have to deal with the keeper of the laws (SOS) and enforcer of the laws (AG) doing what?  Why?

Food for thought.