Isaiah Enosa Faausu “Tui” Tuiasosopo, a 33-year-old staff member at Kiva Adventure Ranch in Toquerville, Washington County, is facing a first-degree felony charge of aggravated child abuse after allegedly attacking a newly arrived resident on Sept. 4. Charging documents filed in 5th District Court state that the incident occurred shortly after the minor completed the facility’s intake process for the youth treatment center, which houses boys between the ages of 12 and 17.
Incident Details at Kiva Adventure Ranch
According to court records, the victim was sitting in the facility’s family room watching television with other residents when he made an inappropriate joke. When Tuiasosopo told the boy the joke was inappropriate, the resident replied by saying, “OK, papi.” Investigators state that Tuiasosopo then yanked the boy off the couch and shoved him toward one of the residential rooms.
Once inside the room, Tuiasosopo began slapping, punching, and kneeing the victim. Forensic nursing staff at the Children’s Justice Center later examined the boy and documented injuries to his ribs and upper back, describing the wounds as deep tissue contusions.
Police Surveillance Evidence
Police obtained surveillance video from the youth treatment center showing the aftermath of the assault. The footage captures the victim emerging from the room physically disheveled, missing one slip-on sandal, with his glasses lying on the ground. Charging documents note that the boy appeared visibly upset, cowering away from Tuiasosopo, crying, and wiping his nose as he moved closer to the camera.
Case Background and Legal Proceedings
Tuiasosopo, a resident of St. George, was formally charged on Tuesday in 5th District Court. Kiva Adventure Ranch operates as a specialized residential treatment facility for adolescent boys aged 12 to 17 in southern Utah.
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