Search Underway for Escaped Rapid City Inmate

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is searching for a 41-year-old inmate who failed to return to his work release assignment.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Search Underway for Escaped Rapid City Inmate

Authorities are searching for James Traversie after he left the Rapid City Minimum Center and failed to report to his jobsite. The South Dakota Department of Corrections issued an alert regarding the escaped offender.

Why it matters

The escape from a supervised work release program triggers a search operation to ensure the safety of the public. Failure to return to custody following a work assignment leads to additional felony charges.

James Traversie faces a charge of second-degree escape, which is a Class 5 felony in South Dakota. This charge carries a maximum potential prison sentence of five years.

The players

James Traversie

He is a 41-year-old inmate who was serving time for drug and vehicle theft convictions.

South Dakota Department of Corrections

This state agency manages the prison system and the work release program in South Dakota.

The details

Traversie departed the Rapid City Minimum Center for an authorized employment assignment but did not arrive at his scheduled jobsite. He is currently serving previous sentences for a controlled substance possession conviction from Pennington County and a stolen vehicle conviction from Meade County.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026: James Traversie left the Rapid City Minimum Center.
October 28, 2026: The South Dakota Department of Corrections published the official alert.

Legal Context

The search for Traversie follows the established legal protocols for an inmate who violates the terms of their work release, triggering a second-degree escape charge under state law. This process aligns with the state's defined penal framework for inmates who fail to return to custody.

Residents in the area should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Safety advisories remain in effect while the Department of Corrections continues its search for the missing inmate.

The takeaway

Work release programs rely on inmate compliance and adherence to strict reporting schedules. Any deviation from these requirements necessitates an immediate and coordinated response from state correction authorities to maintain public security.