A state's attorney or sheriff who is suspended from employment in accordance with the provisions of § 3-17-12 shall assume leave of absence status and shall receive the same salary and employment benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled to be paid by the county he represents. Except as otherwise provided in §§ 3-17-12 to 3-17-19, inclusive, a state's attorney or sheriff who is suspended pursuant to §§ 3-17-12 to 3-17-19, inclusive, has the same rights, benefits, and obligations as any county employee who is on a leave of absence status for any other purpose. Notwithstanding any other law, a state's attorney or sheriff shall receive credit for the period of suspension toward any retirement benefit afforded by the county represented if ultimately reinstated pursuant to §§ 3-17-12 to 3-17-19, inclusive.
SDCL 3-17-13