BROOKINGS A Brookings woman was found guilty of DUI and child abuse last month after driving her child to the emergency room while under the influence of alcohol.
Michelle DeBlonk, 42, was found guilty in a jury trial on March 26 and will be sentenced May 14 for felony abuse of a minor as well as the DUI.
According to court documents, police were dispatched to the Brookings Health System’s emergency room on Jan. 28, 2024, after receiving a report that a woman had driven her child to the emergency room and appeared to be under the influence.
Brookings County States Attorney Dan Nelson said he was happy with the result of the case.
Were pleased with the jurys decision in this matter. Keeping our roads safe from impaired drivers remains a top priority for our office and law enforcement. The Brookings Police Department quickly responded to the situation and allowed us to present a thorough investigation to the jury, Nelson said in a statement.
Nelson also stressed that his office intends to continue to prosecute such cases as felony child abuse.
I caution anyone who drives impaired with minors in the vehicle with you: You will be prosecuted for felony child abuse and this case serves as an example that a trial will result in a conviction under those circumstances, Nelson said.
DeBlonk was also initially charged with drug ingestion as a felony as well, but that charge was not pursued when the case was recharged by indictment because she had a prescription for that substance.
In South Dakota, abuse or cruelty to a minor 7 or older is a Class 4 felony, and it carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment in a state correctional facility, along with a fine of $20,000, or both.
First offense DUI is a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in the county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
Linehan is the Registers managing editor and welcomes comments at [email protected].
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