Lindon, UT – A Utah truck driver was arrested after authorities discovered two young girls locked inside his refrigerated trailer, with temperatures nearing 29 degrees Fahrenheit, following a traffic accident on Interstate 15, according to court documents.
Arrest of Jacob Ortell Scott
Jacob Ortell Scott, 28, was taken into custody on Wednesday and ordered to be held without bail by Judge Sean Petersen, who cited substantial evidence and said Scott posed a substantial danger to others.
Court records, as reviewed by ABC, indicate that Scott has prior misdemeanor convictions, but no felony record. At the time of reporting, he had not yet been assigned a lawyer.
Discovery of the Teens
Utah State Troopers discovered a 12-year-old and 14-year-old girl trapped in the refrigerated trailer during a routine inspection. Troopers initially saw “two sets of eyes” inside the trailer, prompting further questioning.
Scott reportedly appeared surprised at first but admitted to the girls’ presence after consulting with his passenger.
The children had been confined in the trailer since departing Huntington, Utah, a journey of nearly two hours.
Dangerous Conditions
The refrigerated compartment was set to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures dropping to 29.5 degrees, investigators said. Troopers noted bedding inside the trailer, but the girls had no way to exit on their own, creating a life-threatening situation.
Agents from the Utah State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Child and Family Services interviewed the victims following their rescue.
Scott’s Custody and Court Proceedings
Before being booked into Utah County Jail, Scott was taken to a local hospital for a potential hand injury sustained during the incident.
Authorities have stated that he will remain held without bail, while the investigation continues into the circumstances that led to the children being placed in the freezing trailer.
What are your thoughts on this shocking case? How can authorities prevent situations like this in the future? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below.
