Daniella Rivera
The challenge of consent: Utah’s rape law & low prosecution rate
“Listen up,” Rayley Wadsworth pleaded with social media users in a video filmed inside a stationary car last month. “If you’re in Utah, or a woman in Utah, please listen for just a second.”12 months ago
For Utah renters, escaping abuse can come at a cost
If you live with an abusive partner, you should be able to move out and break your lease without a penalty. That’s the idea behind domestic violence protections for Utah renters. But the KSL Investigators found it’s not always the reality.1 year ago
Utah’s DCFS stops using drug testing company following KSL reports on claims of false positives
Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services is no longer contracting with a drug testing company embroiled in litigation and doubt. Following questions from the KSL Investigators, the state’s child welfare agency is also conducting an audit of its response to complaints from families.1 year ago
Only a fraction of reported sexual assaults are prosecuted in Utah; Experts say it’s time to ‘up our game’
Utah’s low sexual assault prosecution rates leave many survivors feeling discouraged and dismissed. The KSL Investigators dig into why experts say Utah can do better.1 year ago
Bill that would change how social workers are licensed in Utah advances to the Senate
The bill's sponsor believes it will remove unnecessary barriers to the field, while critics say the bill gets rid of an important safety measure and could put the public at risk.1 year ago
Police were warned rapist could reoffend 24 years ago. Now he’s charged again.
A convicted rapist paroled in December faced a Utah judge today on 10 new felony charges including aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping.1 year ago
Enoch police, city officials do not intend to review handling of 2020 child abuse investigation
Revelations from a child abuse investigation into the Haight family's Enoch home back in 2020 are sparking sharp reaction among Utahns, and questions about whether investigators missed red flags.1 year ago
Police investigated child abuse report 2 years before Enoch murders
Police investigated Michael Haight in 2020 for allegations of violence against his eldest daughter. Law enforcers ultimately decided not to pursue criminal charges for Haight, but they documented a pattern of violent and controlling behavior.1 year ago
Utah lawmakers call for ‘culture shift,’ budget increase for state’s child welfare system
Over the last several months, the KSL Investigators have spoken with families and advocates who say Utah’s child welfare system isn't serving children as intended. Now, some lawmakers say it's time for big changes.1 year ago
The gift you shouldn’t give car burglars this holiday season
Holiday shoppers are darting around busy parking lots this time of year. So are thieves. Unified police told the KSL Investigators there's a new number one hot spot for car prowlers, but some simple steps can make sure they don't get the better of you.1 year ago
How mental health staffing shortages are delaying justice in Utah’s courts
A Utah man waiting for justice after the 2019 murder of his husband says staffing issues at the Utah State Hospital have contributed to months of delays in court.1 year ago
Utah bill would limit how and when police can see your old location data
Want to know if police have your location data? A Utah lawmaker wants them to tell you – and the state – if they got it from tech companies. A pending legislative proposal won early approval from lawmakers.1 year ago
Violent sexual predators use dating apps as ‘hunting grounds,’ BYU study finds
The newly published BYU study is the largest of its kind in the world, examining more than 200 sexual assaults in Utah that occurred during the first in-person meeting between people who connected through online dating apps.1 year ago
NAACP: Grand Co. Sheriff agrees to diversity training after deputy twirled lasso in search for Black man
A rural Utah sheriff is promising to implement diversity and sensitivity training following a KSL Investigation, according to the head of the NAACP in Utah.1 year ago
Utah Highway Patrol: Trooper’s comment to deputy twirling lasso in search for Black man was inappropriate
The Highway Patrol agrees the statement was inappropriate and “does not represent the practices of this trooper or the Utah Highway Patrol."1 year ago
Utah deputy twirling lasso in search for Black man prompts calls for training, accountability
Body camera footage obtained exclusively by KSL of a Utah sheriff’s deputy carrying a lasso while searching for an African American man is sparking strong reaction from members of Utah’s Black community, who say it evokes the U.S. history of enslavement and lynching.2 years ago
KSL Investigation finds few cases of election crimes prosecuted in Utah
Nearly one in five Utahns polled believe midterm elections won’t be fair and accurate. As election officials seek to restore voter confidence, KSL Investigator Daniella Rivera went looking for the facts of election crimes in Utah.2 years ago
Drug tests deemed ‘not sufficiently reliable’ in one child welfare case are commonly used in Utah
A Utah judge ruled that a certain type of drug test was “not sufficiently reliable" in a couple’s legal effort to be reunified with their children, but Utah’s child welfare agency isn’t signaling any plans to stop using the tests it’s relied on increasingly over the last two years.2 years ago
The number of Utah kids and teens dying by gunfire hit a record high in 2020
The state hit a devastating milestone in 2020, recording the highest-ever number of shooting deaths among Utahns 18 and younger.2 years ago
Tracking Transparency: Why prison surveillance videos are rarely released to the public
Since this investigation aired last night, we've heard from some of you wondering why the state is withholding these videos from the public. Here's some of the transparency issues.2 years ago
‘They’re all in imminent danger’: Video shows violence after Utah prison allowed gangs to mingle
Corrections officials say they're doing all they can to keep the people in their custody safe, and policies at the new prison will help. Families of those on the inside say it's not enough.2 years ago
Utah AG’s Office reveals pornography was found on former attorney’s work computer two years ago
The KSL Investigators have learned a Utah lawyer accused of possessing and producing child pornography previously resigned from Utah AG’s Office after pornography was found on his work computer.2 years ago
Citing ‘serious concerns,’ judge drops drug test results from state custody case
A ruling in a family court case could have implications across Utah. The KSL Investigators first reported on doubts about the accuracy of court-ordered drug tests. Now, a judge has thrown out the results in one case.2 years ago
