
Karen Tapahe
Public Information Officer
[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.

November 26, 2025
Inmate Ralph L. Menzies Passes Away
The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) is notifying the public that inmate Ralph L. Menzies passed away from presumed natural causes at a local hospital at 1:45 p.m. today, November 26, 2025. He was 67 years old at the time of his death. The Department issued this public notification after contacting Mr. Menzies’ next of kin, and the family of

November 3, 2025
UDC Hosting Second Chance Career Fair
The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) will host a Second Chance Career Fair from 8 a.m. to noon, Friday, November 7, at the Fortitude Treatment Center, 1747 S 900 W, in Salt Lake City. The event is designed to connect individuals on probation or parole with second chance employers — businesses committed to providing meaningful job opportunities to those working

October 20, 2025
Citizens’ Academy Graduates Class No. 2
After more than two months of “training,” 15 participates graduated for the Utah Department of Corrections’ second Citizens’ Academy. UDC Deputy Executive Director Spencer Turley gave the keynote address, engaging with the group about what they learned during the training and what they will take away from the experience. Angela Johnson was the class speaker. The comprehensive 10-week program is

April 10, 2025
Law Enforcement Bureau K9 Doc Holliday Receives Body Armor
Utah Department of Corrections – Law Enforcement Bureau K9 Doc Holliday has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Doc Holliday’s vest has been embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity

March 25, 2025
UDC Implements Virtual Legal Visits for Inmates
The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) has announced the implementation of virtual legal visits for incarcerated individuals. This new approach offers several advantages: Convenience: Virtual visits eliminate the need for attorneys to travel to the two main UDC facilities (Utah State Correctional Facility and Central Utah Correctional Facility), saving time and resources. Flexibility: Virtual visits can be scheduled for the same time blocks as

March 14, 2025
USCF Taking Measures to Treat Scabies
UPDATE 3/17/2025 – The first round of treatment has been administered and the lockdown in this section has been lifted. A case of scabies in a section of the Utah State Correctional Facility will close some areas to visitors and quarantine inmates in the infected unit. The reported case is currently in the geriatric section of Currant, a unit that

February 3, 2025
UCI commissary offering Package Program in February
The Utah Quarterly Package Program runs from February 1 through February 28, 2025, offering family and friends the chance to send care packages to inmates. By utilizing the approved item list, you can deliver practical gifts that enhance the welfare of your loved ones. Orders can be placed conveniently online at utpackageprogram.com or by phone at (469) 936-0214, with a total maximum

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

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

October 26, 2023
West Valley Transition Branch opens
It’s common in Utah to hear about the opening of a facility connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What’s uncommon about the West Valley Transition Branch is its targeted congregants: Those recently released from prison looking to continue the growth they made while incarcerated. The Great Salt Lake District recently held an open house for the