A Utah truck driver has been taken into custody following the discovery of two young girls locked inside his refrigerated trailer. The incident occurred in Lindon, Utah, after a traffic accident on Interstate 15.
Jacob Ortell Scott, 28, was arrested on Wednesday when Utah State Troopers found a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old girl trapped in the refrigerated compartment of his tractor-trailer. Reports indicate that the girls were discovered during a routine inspection when troopers “observed two sets of eyes” inside the trailer.
Also Check Out: Crisis Delayed? House Moves to Stop Shutdown, Senate Pushback Threatens
The temperature inside the trailer was set to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, at one point dropping to 29.5 degrees. Troopers also found bedding inside the freezing compartment, raising important questions about the intended duration of the girls’ confinement.
Officials have stated that the children had no means of exiting the refrigerated space on their own, underscoring the potential danger of their situation. The Utah State Bureau of Investigation and Department of Child and Family Services have since interviewed the girls.
Judge Sean Petersen has ordered Scott to be held without bail, citing “substantial evidence” and determining that he posed a “substantial danger” to others. It’s worth noting that court records show Scott had prior misdemeanor convictions but no felony record.
As of now, no lawyer has been assigned to Scott’s case. The investigation is ongoing, and many questions remain unanswered. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting the vulnerable in our society.