Image of Richard Piatt, UDC Director of Communications and Government Relations

RIchard Piatt
Director of Public Affairs
[email protected]
1.801.560.7608

Welcome to the Utah Department of Corrections press shop. Here you can stay up-to-date on press releases, blog posts and more communication coming directly from our office.

UDC News

Featured image for “Governor meets with staff, incarcerated individuals at USCF”
December 2, 2024

Governor meets with staff, incarcerated individuals at USCF

Gov. Spencer Cox visited the Utah State Correctional Facility on Monday, December 2, speaking to Utah Department of Corrections staff as well as incarcerated individuals at the site. Cox first met with staff, where he was introduced by UDC Executive Director Brian Redd. Cox shared his thoughts on leadership and dealing with conflict. The governor also spoke about his appreciation
Featured image for “D’Amico tabbed to replace Mortensen as USCF Warden”
November 1, 2024

D’Amico tabbed to replace Mortensen as USCF Warden

Sharon D’Amico has been named the new warden at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City. She replaces Bart Mortensen, now promoted to be the new chief of the Reentry and Rehabilitation Division. This move is a first in the history of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), as female wardens now lead both facilities. D’Amico brings
Featured image for “Four arrests in eight days highlights UDC drug interdiction efforts”
March 6, 2024

Four arrests in eight days highlights UDC drug interdiction efforts

The Utah Department of Corrections is warning visitors not to bring contraband to its facilities after four were arrested in eight days for attempting to pass drugs to inmates. In one of the more brazen cases, an incarcerated offender made a hole in the plexiglass barrier during an attempt to receive an illegal substance from a visitor. That inmate, Kevin
Featured image for “Court comes to USCF in pilot program”
December 18, 2023

Court comes to USCF in pilot program

It looked like a courtroom, complete with flags and the state seal.  There was a judge, prosecutors and a defense attorney. The defendant was brought in to face charges. It featured real pleas and real sentences. Yet those facing incarceration didn’t have to wait to be transferred to prison. They were already there. The courtroom had come to them. For
Featured image for “Blau honored with Governor’s Award”
October 20, 2023

Blau honored with Governor’s Award

Jennifer Blau of the Utah Department of Corrections has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence for her efforts as a supervisor of pre-sentence investigation writers. Gov. Spencer Cox presented Blau and 25 other state employees with the award during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion recently. The awards are an annual event designed to recognize the contributions of
Featured image for “Reading for the Blind Program thrives at USCF”
October 16, 2023

Reading for the Blind Program thrives at USCF

It’s the quiet. It’s what makes it stand out in a place of constant noise. Which is strange, because the Reading for the Blind Program at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) is all about sound. The program utilizes incarcerated individuals to give a voice to novels, plays, magazines and more. Their audience will be some of the millions of
Featured image for “Timpanogos Community Treatment Center Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony”
September 29, 2023

Timpanogos Community Treatment Center Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The Utah Department of Corrections held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Timpanogos Community Treatment Center on Thursday, Sept. 28. Attended by state and local elected officials, media representatives and UDC employees, the ceremony marked the completion of construction and the readiness to begin operations at the center. “It’s the first of it’s kind for UDC in Utah County,” said Brian Redd,
September 24, 2023

Officials Investigating Death of an Incarcerated Individual at CUCF

An incarcerated individual at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) has died after being found unresponsive in his cell on Sunday, Sept. 24. The Utah Department of Corrections’ Law Enforcement Bureau and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation have responded to the incident and an investigation is underway. Steven Davis, 66, was found by staff Sunday morning and was declared
Featured image for “USCF inmates receiving treatment for scabies”
September 22, 2023

USCF inmates receiving treatment for scabies

An outbreak of scabies in a section of the Utah State Correctional Facility will close some areas to visitors and quarantine inmates in the infected unit. Reported cases are currently in Green, a dorm-style housing unit where incarcerated individuals receive sex offense or substance abuse treatment. At least 57 people have been confirmed to have scabies. Visitation to this unit of
Featured image for “Davis Technical College and Corrections Launch New Certification Programs for Women”
September 21, 2023

Davis Technical College and Corrections Launch New Certification Programs for Women

Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) and the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) announced the launch of three new certification programs for women at the Utah State Correctional Facility today. The programs, which include Automation and Robotics, Information Technology, and Web and Graphic Design, provide valuable skills and knowledge to help incarcerated women successfully transition back into their communities. “In a