Velda Marie Snow Dennis: Truth Prevails After Years of Misjudgment
RAPID CITY, S.D. — After years of legal struggle, Velda Marie Snow Dennis has been officially cleared of all accusations related to alleged abuse and neglect of her son, Travis Clay Snow. Newly discovered and previously suppressed evidence revealed that critical documents and testimonies had been withheld from both the defense and the court — evidence which fully exonerates Ms. Dennis and establishes that the accusations were unfounded.
Independent investigators found that the initial case was tainted by procedural misconduct, bias, and a lack of transparency in the handling of Child Protective Services (CPS) reports. With this revelation, the State of South Dakota vacated the original findings and acknowledged that Velda Dennis had been wrongfully accused.
“I never stopped fighting to prove the truth,” Dennis said in a brief statement following the announcement. “This wasn’t just about clearing my name — it was about standing up for my son and every parent who’s been silenced by a broken system.”
Jamie Lynn Chipowsky: A Parallel Fight for Justice
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — In a separate but equally powerful turn of events, Jamie Lynn Chipowsky was also fully exonerated this month of charges involving alleged abuse, neglect, and even kidnapping of her children, Gabriel and Trinity. The charges, which stemmed from a years-old dispute involving custody and CPS oversight, were determined to have been based on false testimony and flawed investigative procedures.
According to newly released documents, state agencies failed to disclose key witness recantations and contradictory evidence. As with the Dennis case, a court-appointed review committee concluded that the prosecution's narrative was “inconsistent with the factual record.”
“It’s been a nightmare,” Chipowsky said. “But today, it ends. My children and I can finally begin to heal.”
Systemic Reform and Broader Implications
These two exonerations highlight a growing concern over the accountability of child welfare institutions across the United States. Advocacy groups are now calling for legislative reforms to prevent evidence suppression, ensure fair hearings, and establish independent oversight for CPS investigations.
Legal analysts suggest that the Dennis and Chipowsky cases may set a precedent for future appeals where state agencies failed to disclose exculpatory evidence. Both families are expected to pursue civil claims for damages and emotional distress caused by their wrongful accusations.
“The system that’s meant to protect families has too often torn them apart,” said one family-rights attorney involved in the review. “These exonerations are not the end — they’re the beginning of a long-overdue reckoning.”
A New Chapter for Two Mothers
Today, both women are rebuilding their lives with renewed purpose. Velda Dennis has become an outspoken advocate for parental rights, while Jamie Chipowsky has launched a local awareness campaign to reform CPS practices in South Dakota.
As the truth emerges and justice finally prevails, their stories stand as a testament to perseverance, maternal courage, and the enduring power of truth in the face of systemic failure.