Sioux Falls man sentenced for fourth DUI

A Sioux Falls man has been found guilty of a fourth count of driving while under the influence within the last ten years after being pulled over in Crook County and allegedly asking to be taken to jail.

On August 4, a Crook County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on Hwy 16 and Buffalo Creek Road. The driver, identified as Michael Popkes, allegedly exited his vehicle and said, “Take me to jail”.

The deputy was advised by Dispatch that the vehicle had been stolen in Minnesota. He also allegedly detected the odor of alcohol and, according to court reports, Popkes admitted he had been drinking.

Popkes allegedly refused to perform field sobriety tests but did give a breath sample, which returned a result of .159.

The deputy was also advised that Popkes’ driver’s license was suspended. According to his report, Popkes stated that he knew the vehicle was stolen or had suspicions.

Popkes was charged with one felony count of driving while under the influence, fourth offense, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years of jail time, a $10,000 fine or both. He has two prior convictions in McCook County, SD, in 2012 and one in Yankton, SD in 2017.

He was sentenced to between 30 and 60 months of jail time with credit for 173 days served. The sentence was suspended pending completion of four years of supervised probation.

Popkes was also issued a suspended $5000 fine and various costs and fees.