Kearns — An 18-year-old Kearns High student was charged on April 29 after prosecutors say he and other teens targeted a 16-year-old classmate with special needs, restrained him in school hallways, then carried him outside during lunch on April 1. Court paperwork identifies the adult defendant as Ivan Rigby and charges him with kidnapping and assault. Two other students, ages 16 and 15, may face juvenile charges, according to the filings.
According to charging documents detailed by KSL, Unified police reviewed school surveillance video that shows one teen take the victim's backpack, a second teen restrain the student and march him down the hallway, and Rigby allegedly dangle the backpack before lifting the victim's feet as another student opened an exterior door. The group then carried the victim outside, where he was thrown to the ground. The filings say the victim resisted and cried for help. Prosecutors filed charges in Third District Court after reviewing the video evidence.
Legal Implications
Kidnapping is a second-degree felony under Utah statute when someone is intentionally detained or restrained against their will, a designation prosecutors applied in this case. Utah Code defines the elements that can elevate conduct to a kidnapping charge. State sentencing guidance indicates that second-degree felonies carry indeterminate prison terms and mandatory fines, with the precise ranges and sentencing decisions determined by the courts. Utah Courts summarizes penalty ranges and the sentencing structure for felony offenses.
School Policy And Parental Notification
Utah law requires school districts to prohibit bullying, hazing, and abusive conduct and to adopt policies for reporting, investigating, and responding to such incidents. Districts must notify the parents of each student involved in reported incidents of bullying or abusive conduct, a statutory requirement that guides how schools respond when allegations surface on campus. Utah Code spells out those notification duties and related policy requirements.
What Happens Next
Rigby was charged in Third District Court and is expected to appear for initial proceedings. KSL reports there was no immediate word on whether the two juveniles would face formal charges. Upcoming hearings, any bond decisions, and additional filings will appear on the court docket, and members of the public can track case activity through the Utah Courts XChange and public case search system. Utah Courts XChange provides the official calendar and docket information for Third District cases in Salt Lake County.
Families with questions about school safety are directed to contact Granite School District or the school administration for information about district steps and available supports. Prosecutors and Unified police will handle the criminal proceedings, and local court filings will show the next steps as the case moves through the justice system.
