SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Former Gov. Mike Rounds says he didn't approve $600,000 in state aid for an Aberdeen beef plant authorized by a Cabinet secretary in the final days of his administration — or even know about it.

Secretary of Tourism and State Development Richard Benda approved the money for Northern Beef Packers shortly before leaving office to work for an investor in the scandal-smeared beef plant. Rounds was aware that Benda would be leaving his state job to work for the investor.

The Argus Leader reports Rounds learned of Benda's future about the time the governor approved Benda's proposal to give Northern Beef Packers more state aid.

Rounds says he doesn't recall exactly when he became aware of Benda's future job, which makes it impossible to determine whether Rounds approved the $600,000 in state aid before or after he learned Benda would work for the Northern Beef investor.

A state audit later found Benda failed to disclose his employment future and should've been required to "remove himself from involvement in subsequent matters relating to" the plant.

While on the state's payroll, Benda hand-delivered the state aid check to the plant and was later accused of redirecting the money to pay his own salary. The aid was linked to an indictment being prepared against Benda when he killed himself last year.

Rounds is a U.S. Senate candidate. His campaign manager tells the Argus Leader Rounds did not sign off on the request.

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