RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that 56-year-old Nova Collins, a former state employee from Spearfish, has been indicted on multiple charges for allegedly falsifying official records tied to a child abuse investigation.
A Lawrence County Grand Jury indicted Collins on four felony counts and one misdemeanor, all stemming from her time with the South Dakota Department of Social Services’ Child Protective Services.
The charges include:
Forgery (Felony): Up to 5 years in prison
Offering Forged or Fraudulent Evidence (Felony): Up to 5 years in prison
Falsification of Evidence (Felony): Up to 2 years in prison
Offering False or Forged Instrument for Filing (Felony): Up to 2 years in prison
Falsification of Public Records by a Public Officer (Misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in county jail
Attorney General Jackley stated that falsifying official documents “undermines public trust.” He also noted that this case is the first criminal prosecution under Senate Bill 62, a new law passed in early 2025 requiring state employees to report crimes, misconduct, and conflicts of interest. The bill was introduced by Jackley, passed by the Legislature, and signed by the Governor.
The Attorney General’s Office’s Public Integrity Program, part of the Division of Criminal Investigation, is handling both the investigation and prosecution.
The alleged offenses occurred in early 2025. Collins remains presumed innocent until proven guilty under the U.S. Constitution.
