Driver deemed danger to public after transporting his half sisters in trailer

A truck driver is being held without bail for being a danger to the public after transporting his half-sisters in the back of his refrigerated trailer. 

The incident started on Wednesday, September 17th on Interstate 15 in Lindon, Utah when a tractor trailer driven by 28-year-old Jacob Ortell Scott lost a tire, creating a pile up crash. 

According to KJZZ, during the investigation of the accident, officers noticed “two sets of eyes” peering out of Scott’s refrigerated trailer. Police then opened the trailer “at that point, we saw the 12- and the 14-year-old girl standing in the back of the trailer with the milk and the meat products,” Lt. Clay Morgan said.

It was then discovered that the two girls were half sisters to Scott and his other passenger. The group was reportedly traveling to Salt Lake City to visit their older sister. 

“They were not being transported against their will,” Morgan said. “We initially thought that, especially when we saw they had several duffel bags, some backpacks.”

While officials have determined the girls were not being trafficked, authorities still chose to arrest Scott on suspicion of third-degree felony aggravated child abuse, reported the New York Post.

Scott is currently being held in the Utah County Jail without bail after Judge Sean Petersen cited “substantial evidence” that he is a “substantial danger” to the public.