Roberts County Sheriff's Office

06/11/2026

Hey there wonderful folks of Sisseton, the Shred Truck is back in town for the FREE Event! Head on down to Dakota Pawn & Thrift parking lot from 10am to 1pm this Saturday, June 13th to safely and securely dispose of your unwanted papers. Old bank statements, junk mail, any papers you want to get rid of. They will be turned into paper towels and tissue paper, so that's an added bonus!

A HUGE thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event happen: First Savings Bank, Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union, Dacotah Bank, and Cameron Law Office.

06/10/2026

This morning, two wanted fugitives were taken into custody as the result of a coordinated multi-agency operation involving the United States Marshals Service, SWO Tribal Police, Roberts County Sheriff's Office, and Traverse County Sheriff's Office.

Benjamin Yankton, a South Dakota Priority Parole Absconder, was apprehended in Browns Valley, Minnesota.

Ramona Shortman, who was wanted by Minnesota authorities on charges including Manslaughter and Child Neglect, was located and arrested in Roberts County.

The Roberts County Sheriff's Office would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their teamwork and commitment to public safety. Operations such as these demonstrate the value of strong partnerships and information sharing across jurisdictions.

As a public service announcement: If you currently have outstanding warrants and are hiding out in the Roberts County area, you may want to consider making adjustments to your summer plans.

06/10/2026

Congratulations to all 16 graduates of the Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course!

We are especially proud that THREE members of the Roberts County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center are among this outstanding group. Dispatchers are often the first calm voice heard during someone's worst day, and they play a critical role in helping law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other first responders serve our communities.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve. Congratulations on this accomplishment. We are proud to have you as part of the Roberts County Sheriff's Office family!

Congratulations to the 16 students who graduate this Friday from the state Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course held in Pierre. They are the first voices you hear when you call 911 with an emergency. Without them law enforcement and first responders could not do their jobs. We are lucky to have them willing to serve us.
https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3092 .tab=0

06/08/2026

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Karsky and Deputy Sudbeck on their graduation from the 201st Session of the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Graduating from LETC represents months of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others.

We are excited to welcome Deputies Karsky and Sudbeck home and look forward to their continued service as members of the Roberts County Sheriff's Office family. The citizens of Roberts County will be well served by these outstanding young deputies.

Congratulations, Deputies Karsky and Sudbeck, on a job well done. We are proud of you and look forward to all you will accomplish in your careers.

05/30/2026

Starting at 1pm TODAY!!!!

05/28/2026

🚨 MAJOR STORY WITH LOCAL TIES 🚨

A 16-year-old juvenile from Wilmot is facing multiple serious charges, including Attempted First Degree Murder, following an investigation in Watertown involving a stolen vehicle and a firearm being discharged inside a residence.

According to reports, Watertown Police arrested four individuals connected to the incident, including suspects from both Roberts County and Watertown. Charges in the case include:
▪️ Attempted First Degree Murder
▪️ Aggravated Assault
▪️ First Degree Burglary
▪️ Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
▪️ Commission of a Felony with a Firearm

This case serves as another reminder of how quickly serious violent crime can impact communities across our region — regardless of community size. Incidents involving stolen vehicles, fi****ms, juveniles, and violent offenses continue to be a growing concern for law enforcement agencies throughout Northeast South Dakota.

We appreciate the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved as this investigation continues.

{KXLG, Watertown, SD} On Tuesday, May 27, 2026, at approximately 11:02 a.m., Watertown Police were dispatched to southwest Watertown after receiving a report involving a firearm being discharged at an

05/19/2026

Roberts County Sheriff’s Office – Press Release

On May 14, 2026, two Sisseton men were sentenced in Roberts County Circuit Court by the Honorable Judge Marshall C. Lovrien for crimes involving the sexual abuse of minors.

Justin Quinn was convicted of the following offenses:
-Sexual Contact of a Child Under Sixteen
-Distribution of Child Po*******hy
-Possession of Child Po*******hy
-Cruelty to Animals

Quinn was sentenced to a total of 25 years in the State Penitentiary, with 5 years suspended.

Truck Mesteth was convicted of:
-Two counts of Sexual Contact with a Child Under 16

Mesteth was sentenced to a total of 30 years in the State Penitentiary, with 10 years suspended.

These cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation with assistance from local law enforcement agencies. Prosecution was handled by the Roberts County State's Attorney's Office.

We will always stay committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who commit these types of crimes are held accountable.

05/12/2026

Today marked the first time Sisseton hosted the Torch Run in support of Special Olympics South Dakota, and it was an honor to take part.

Despite the wind making things interesting, the athletes showed exactly what this event is all about—determination, resilience, and pride. Walking alongside them and our local law enforcement partners was a great reminder of the purpose behind the Torch Run.

We also want to thank Westside Elementary for helping make the route memorable for the athletes as they passed through.

Events like this highlight the dedication and effort these athletes put in every day, and we’re proud to support them, their families, and their coaches.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen!

05/11/2026

National Police Week | Roberts County Sheriff’s Office

This week, we recognize National Police Week—a time to honor the men and women across this country who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and to recognize those who continue to serve every day.

Here in Roberts County, I am proud of the deputies, correctional officers, dispatchers, and staff who show up day in and day out. Whether it’s answering a late-night call, managing our jail, or being the calm voice on the other end of a 911 line—this work matters.

Law enforcement isn’t just a job. It’s a commitment to service, to community, and to doing what’s right—even when it’s difficult.

We also take this time to remember the fallen—those who gave everything in service to others. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thank you to our team, and thank you to the community for your continued support.

— Sheriff Tyler Appel
Roberts County Sheriff’s Office

05/06/2026

🚨 FIRST EVER TORCH RUN IN SISSETON 🚨

Next Tuesday, May 12th, we’re proud to welcome something special to our community for the very first time—the Special Olympics Torch Run right here in Sisseton!

This event is about more than just a run—it’s about support, unity, and showing up for some incredible athletes.

We invite:
• Special Olympics athletes
• Unified partners
• Coaches
• Law enforcement
• Community members

📍 Start Location: Westside Elementary School
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM

Shirts will be available for purchase for $20.

Let’s line the route, join the run, and support these athletes the way they deserve.