Janklow Was on Duty, Judge Rules

A judge ruled Tuesday that former Rep. Bill Janklow was on duty when he caused a deadly accident, meaning taxpayers would be liable for civil damages in a wrongful-death lawsuit.

U.S. Magistrate Arthur Boylan ruled that the South Dakota Republican was on official business on Aug. 16 when he sped through a stop sign and crashed into motorcyclist Randy Scott.

Janklow, 64, was on his way home from official appointments when the accident occurred.

Boylan, ruling in St. Paul, Minn., concluded that the federal government should be listed as the defendant in the lawsuit filed by Scott’s family members, who are from Minnesota.

Attorney Ronald Meshbesher wanted the case moved to state court in Minnesota so the family could get punitive damages, which are not allowed in federal court. He said he would appeal.