Mellette County Sheriff loses law enforcement powers and authorities

April 17 2024

DEADWOOD, S.D.–The South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to revoke the law enforcement certification of Mellette County Sheriff Mike Blom, effective immediately, for conduct unbecoming a law enforcement officer.

The 59 year-old Blom had been in a romantic relationship with a 22 year-old woman who was on supervised probation for Possession of Methamphetamine. One of the conditions of her probation was that she could not consume alcohol or enter bars or liquor stores.

Blom and the woman, accompanied by another couple, went to several bars in different towns the night of Nov. 11, 2023. Blom purchased alcohol for the woman, while knowing it was a violation of the probation conditions. On the same night, the other couple became involved in an assault while Blom was driving his vehicle. Blom did not take action or report the assault to law enforcement.

When Blom was questioned about the night’s activities, he lied to a South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation investigator.

The Commission’s action does not remove Blom from office, but does remove his law enforcement powers and authorities.