Three out-of-state juveniles admitted beating two counselors at a ranch near Escalante that is designed to help youngsters with behavior problems. The three fled from the facility and later returned voluntarily, according to the Garfield County sheriff's office.
The boys, ages 14, 15 and 17, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault and theft in 6th District Court. In return, prosecutors dropped charges of attempted criminal homicide and aggravated robbery. The three had no prior arrests.Juvenile Judge Louis Tervort ordered the three to make restitution, remain in a youth detention center in Richfield for an additional 10 days and enter a lock-up rehabilitation program. Their parents were given time to make arrangements for their sons to enroll in a rehabilitation program.
The youths were incarcerated in a juvenile detention center in Richfield after they returned from their homes in Illinois, Texas and California.
They admitted beating Paula Pedersen, 44, and Kevin Patterson, 32, at a cabin at the Turnabout Ranch Aug. 4. They reportedly fled in Pederson's vehicle after believing they may have killed her.
She said she fell to the floor and pretended to be dead. Patterson got under a table to prevent further beatings. He said that he, too, thought his co-worker had been killed.