DRAPER, Utah, Feb.17, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Department of Corrections announced Friday that 80 state inmates have been moved from the Daggett County jail to the Utah State Prison in Draper.
The move is expected to be temporary while the UDC investigates allegations of misconduct by jail employees, the department stated in a news release.
The UDC said action was taken immediately to ensure that the state inmates are housed in a safe environment at the jail.
According to the news release, on Feb. 3, UDC officials inspected the jail, interviewed current inmates and directed the immediate transfer of three inmates out of the jail for their safety.
Executive Director Rollin Cook was quoted as saying, “The Utah Department of Corrections places the safety of the inmates in our custody as a top priority. We take these allegations seriously, and it is in the best interests of our staff and inmates to move them out of Daggett County so a thorough investigation can be conducted.”
UDC contracts with 21 county jails across Utah to house about 1,600 inmates, according to the release, which states:
“Interviews with staff and inmates have continued since the initial jail review. UDC is coordinating with county officials, Police Officer Standards and Training, the Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this matter. A final decision on the future placement of inmates in Daggett County will be made once the situation is resolved.”
Family members who have questions about loved ones who were housed at the jail may call the Public Information Officer at 801-545-5536.
