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A federal civil rights lawsuit filed in May against the Utah Department of Corrections is receiving significant media attention tonight. KUTV 2News Investigates reporter Wendy Halloran published an exclusive investigation this evening into allegations that two female incarcerated individuals at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City were sexually assaulted by two male correctional officers, and that prison leadership may have taken steps to conceal those assaults rather than address them.

We want our community to be aware of this story. Here is a brief summary of what has been reported:

According to the lawsuit and the KUTV investigation, two correctional officers, Spencer Kilpack and Sione Tuipulotu, are named in the complaint. Kilpack was terminated by UDC Executive Director Jared Garcia in August 2025 following findings of policy violations. Tuipulotu remains suspended with pay while an investigation continues. The lawsuit also raises serious questions about whether a parole action taken shortly after the allegations came to light was connected to an effort to silence one of the victims. An independent investigation is reportedly being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation.

UDC has stated it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and that accessible reporting channels are available to incarcerated individuals.

If you or someone you know may have experienced something similar:

PREA (the Prison Rape Elimination Act) exists specifically to protect incarcerated individuals from sexual abuse and retaliation. If you believe you have information relevant to this case, or have experienced similar treatment, you may want to speak with an attorney.

UPAN does not provide legal advice, but we are here to help connect you with resources and listen. You can reach us at [email protected].

We stand with survivors. Safety and accountability inside Utah’s correctional facilities matter, and we will continue to follow this story closely.

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Federal lawsuit alleges Utah prison leaders covered up guards’ sexual assaults on inmates

kutv.com

Accusations of abuse of power and a cover-up inside the Utah State Prison (USCF) in Salt Lake City are at the center of a civil rights action and a 2News exclus

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