Mitchell woman who had prison sentence commuted by governor in 2022 arrested on new charges

Oct. 25—MITCHELL — Less than a year after her 3 1/2-year prison sentence was commuted by Gov. Kristi Noem, a Mitchell woman who was utilizing an RV near Mitchell to sell and use drugs, including fentanyl, was arrested in early October for a new drug possession charge.

Jamie Bosone, 39, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a Class 5 felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine; possession of marijuana in the amount of 2 ounces or less and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, which are each misdemeanor charges.

In December 2022, Bosone was one of seven South Dakota inmates who had their remaining prison time commuted by Gov. Noem. Bosone was about four months into serving a 3 1/2-year prison sentence when she was granted the commutation. Court records show Bosone is the only person of those seven who has been arrested for new charges.

"These seven individuals have each earned a second chance. Each of these individuals has demonstrated a low risk of recidivism. They are being released with precautions in place such as electronic monitoring and parole supervision to help them succeed," Noem said of her decision to commute the sentences of the inmates in 2022.

Bosone's recent prison stint stemmed from a pair of drug charges, which included possession of fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance, each a Class 5 felony.

In April 2022, authorities searched Bosone and her boyfriend's RV that was parked at rural Mitchell campground. The RV search uncovered 8 grams of fentanyl, marijuana and other drug-related items.

Authorities later determined Bosone and her boyfriend, Daniel Smythe, 39, were on a cross-country RV trip with their 4-year-old child and Bosone's mother when they made a stop at Betts Campground near the west edge of Mitchell. Police were called to the campground after receiving a report of a frail elderly woman being locked out of an RV.

During Bosone's August 2022 sentencing hearing, Judge Chris Giles dubbed the Arizona couple's drug operation as "one of the more complex and organized drug use situations" he's seen. Giles is presiding over Bosone and Smythe's new charges.

Davison County State's Attorney Jim Miskimins said Bosone and Smythe were purchasing opioids, oxycodone and fentanyl online and also mailing drugs through an elaborate process.

The new charges Bosone was arrested for in early October stem from a parole search of her residence in Mitchell that uncovered "over 50 used hypodermic" needles, a container with 1 gram of meth, marijuana and a meth pill, according to an arrest affidavit. Bosone's 5-year-old child resides in the home where authorities found the illegal substances, according to police reports.

The search of Bosone's residence also resulted in a new felony drug charge for her boyfriend, Smythe, who was charged with possession of a controlled substance (meth), a Class 5 felony. According to the affidavit, officers allegedly discovered meth stashed in clothes belonging to Smythe.

Smythe was also sentenced to serve 3 1/2 years in prison for the April 2022 drug charges that stemmed from the RV search. Unlike Bosone, Smythe did not receive a commutation of his sentence from Gov. Noem. However, he was recently released from prison and placed under parole supervision.

During Tuesday's felony court proceedings, Smythe pleaded not guilty to the drug possession charge. Smythe was granted a personal recognizance bond on Tuesday, but Department of Corrections parole officials could decide to keep him in custody at the Davison County jail while his court proceedings continue.

Smythe is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 16 for a status hearing. Bosone is awaiting sentencing for the new charges she pleaded guilty to on Tuesday.