Sioux Falls Lawmaker Questioned For Fender Bender

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By Associated Press

Story Created: Feb 11, 2009 at 7:52 AM CST

Story Updated: Feb 11, 2009 at 7:52 AM CST

A branch of the Highway Patrol investigated a state lawmaker from Sioux Falls for not reporting a fender bender in Pierre.

The Hughes County state's attorney will now decide whether
Democratic state Sen. Sandy Jerstad will be charged for failing to
notify police or the other vehicle's owner.

She was leaving the Kings Inn Hotel Feb. 3 when she backed her
car into another vehicle. Jerstad said she left the scene only
because she got out for a closer look and didn't see any damage.

When told otherwise, Jerstad said she went to the owner, who
works at the Legislative Research Council, and wrote her check.

Another lawmaker, Republican state Rep. Val Rausch of Big Stone
City, said he saw the accident and the cracked bumper was clearly
visible.

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Thursday, Feb 12 at 1:54 PM Marine wrote ...

causing an accident, leaving the scene, failure to report. Those are the charges I would face had I performed this action. A state senator? No charges will be made, her insurance will not change, and she'll be considered a responsible member of society. Ah what a world we live in. Oh yeah the owner of the other car will have to report it and get it fixed otherwise in the event the are involved in a different accident and put in a claim, they may be investigated for fraud.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 11:45 AM Anon wrote ...

"Republican" state Rep. stating there was clearly visible damage. That's a surprise.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 10:59 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Typical lawmaker.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 5:54 PM rk wrote ...

better blame it on a sex offender...

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