86-year-old Utah rancher faces jail in legal dispute with his own sons
UTAH (KUTV) – An 86-year-old Utah rancher has been sentenced to 30 days in jail after dispute over property with his own sons.
A judge found Kerwin Jensen in contempt of court in the non-violent legal dispute with his sons.
“If you had to explain to people, what this dispute is all about?“ asked KUTV.
“Jealousy,” Jensen replied, “greed and jealousy.”
Jensen sued two of his sons, and a couple of ranch-related entities, over control of land and equipment — two holdings the rancher said he began amassing decades ago.
“The ranch is worth 15 million bucks,” he said.
More than a year after the suit was filed, the case went to mediation and a settlement was reached. Sons and father both signed.
Jensen said he left the mediation session before it was over, only to have his then-lawyer present papers late in the day, and on his attorney’s advice, Jensen said he signed the deal even though he maintained he did not know what was in it.
“No, not really, I didn’t,“ he said, adding that if he had known, “I would have never signed.”
After that, Judge Jeremiah Humes issued an order surrounding the settlement, and Jensen did not comply. The court record indicates the judge has given Jensen chances to satisfy the mediation settlement.
KUTV reached out to the Utah Office of the Courts to try to speak to the judge, but the office said judges cannot comment on pending cases.
"30 days in jail is really a lot,” said attorney David Ferguson, who has practiced civil law and now directs the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. “I haven't heard of something like this happening except in rare, exceptional circumstances."
Ferguson said judges may not consider someone’s age when deciding jail, but “probably should.”
KUTV reached out to an attorney for the son defendants, who declined comment.
For the veteran rancher, an extended stay in a place with no wide open spaces is a burr in the saddle.
“Hell no, I don't think I ought to go to jail,” he said. “I think I ought to have everything."
Jensen said he has diabetes, fought cancer and has had three heart attacks.
Another court hearing is set for Tuesday, in which the rancher may learn for certain if he’s going to jail.
