Any state employee or any employee of an agency under contract to the State of South Dakota who knowingly and intentionally allows or assists in the escape or release of an involuntarily committed person from the South Dakota Developmental Center, through acts or omission, is guilty of a Class 6 felony. Any other person who knowingly and intentionally allows or assists in the escape or release of an involuntarily committed person from the South Dakota Developmental Center, through acts or omission, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The term, escape, or, release, as used in this section includes departure without lawful authority or failure to return to custody following a temporary leave granted for a specific purpose or limited period.
SDCL 27B-7-49