Gov. Kristi Noem says prisoners might not get tablets back

Inmates accused of using devices to commit crimes from inside State Penitentiary

Authorities are vowing to prosecute all involved in Wednesday’s disturbance at the State Penitentiary where inmates protested the loss of tablet computer access.

And allegations of illegal activity by inmates via those tablets — intended for calls home, playing games, and reading — could result in prisoners never getting them back.

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That's according to Gov. Kristi Noem, who Thursday morning told The Dakota Scout that the Department of Corrections continues to investigate "nefarious" uses of tablets by prison inmates.

"We are going to find out if it's possible," the Republican governor said when asked if there's urgency to relieve tension among the inmate population by lifting the tablet suspension.