Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Scott Roetzel and Eric Kelderman to serve as judges on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. Governor Noem expressed her confidence in their ability to uphold the law, stating, “Law and order is an integral part of the American justice system. I am confident that Scott Roetzel and Eric Kelderman will defend our Constitution and uphold our laws as Seventh Judicial Circuit Court judges.”
Scott Roetzel brings a wealth of experience from his career in law enforcement and legal practice. He has prosecuted various criminal offenses, including homicide and sexual assault, earning recognition as South Dakota Prosecutor of the Year in 2014. Roetzel graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1989 and completed his law degree at USD School of Law in 1992. His career includes roles at the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, Johnson Eiesland law firm, and as an assistant United States Attorney. Most recently, he served as supervisor of the Rapid City office for the South Dakota Attorney General's Office.
Roetzel commented on his appointment: “I am humbled and honored by the responsibility Governor Noem has placed in me. My dad said if you work hard and treat people right, good things will happen. This appointment is proof of that. I will strive every day to uphold the trust and values the citizens of the Seventh Judicial Circuit deserve.”
Eric Kelderman also joins the court with extensive legal experience. He currently serves as an assistant U.S. Attorney for South Dakota's District, working primarily within its Appellate Division on appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. His background includes time spent in both trial teams recognized by awards from the Department of Justice and ethics oversight roles within his office.
Kelderman expressed gratitude for his new role: “I am grateful to Governor Noem for this appointment to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court bench,” he stated. “I look forward to serving the citizens of South Dakota as I seek to uphold law and justice in this position.”
Both appointees have family ties supporting them through their careers; Roetzel is married with five children while Kelderman shares over 25 years with his wife Renae alongside their two children.