Trucker arrested after half-sisters found in refrigerated trailer set to 30 degrees

A Utah trucker was arrested after officers responding to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Lindon found two of his half-sisters inside a refrigerated trailer that was set to 30 degrees, authorities said.

The incident began during a pileup when a tire from the tractor-trailer came loose and careened over a wall, initiating a chain of crashes that involved several vehicles. The same crash sequence saw another semi rear-end a nearby car, which pushed it into additional wreckage. Emergency responders were working the scene when a responding trooper noticed two sets of eyes peering through the slats of the trailer, according to court documents.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was identified as Jacob Ortell Scott, 28, who is the half-brother of the two girls. He was questioned at the scene and eventually admitted that there were children inside the trailer, the affidavit states. Troopers pried open the trailer and found two girls, ages 12 and 14, trapped inside with bedding and no apparent means to exit.

The trailer’s thermostat was configured to maintain a temperature of 30 degrees, a setting which authorities said could induce hypothermia. The girls had been inside the refrigerated space for approximately two hours before they were rescued.

Scott was arrested on suspicion of third-degree felony aggravated child abuse and booked into the Utah County Jail without bail. A judge cited substantial evidence that Scott posed a substantial danger to the public, leading to the decision to keep him in custody while the investigation proceeds.

Officials noted that the two girls appeared to be Scott’s half-sisters, and authorities stated there was no evidence at this time that the girls were being trafficked. Lt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol said the investigation remains ongoing and that investigators from the Utah State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Child and Family Services conducted interviews with the girls and assessed their wellbeing.

The case raises concerns about safety in commercial transport, particularly when minors are housed in enclosed spaces. Investigators emphasized that while the specific circumstances are unusual, the welfare of children in transport settings is an ongoing priority for state authorities. As the inquiry continues, officers will compile additional evidence and determine whether any additional charges are warranted.

The two girls were reported to be in stable condition enough to speak with investigators, though officials have not detailed their current health status publicly. The broader questions surrounding child welfare in trucking operations will likely be reviewed as part of ongoing investigations into this incident, with additional updates expected from state authorities in the coming days.