The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is addressing a serious incident that occurred at the Adult Detention Center (ADC) on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, involving Summit Correctional Services (SCS), a contracted food service provider for the county.
At approximately 11:12 a.m., while meals were being prepared for inmates at Station 2 in K, J, H, and G Blocks, an inmate helping serve meals in coordination with SCS accidentally contaminated a serving tray of pasta with human blood from a nosebleed. An ADC inmate worker immediately attempted to dispose of the contaminated food to prevent further risk of exposure. However, the SCS Kitchen Supervisor stopped the inmate from discarding the food, reprimanded the inmate, and returned the contaminated tray to the serving line. The supervisor then placed utensils in the contaminated tray and instructed inmates to “scoop around” the blood-contaminated food while continuing meal service.
The CCSO was not notified of this event until two days later, after the contaminated meal had already been served to inmates housed in the affected blocks. No other housing units were impacted. Inmates who help with food services have earned the right to do so through good behavior.
Upon learning of the incident, the CCSO acted immediately, revoking the security clearance of the SCS Kitchen Supervisor and initiating a full investigation into how contaminated food was knowingly served to inmates.
“This incident is both disturbing and inexcusable. Summit Correctional Services’ actions were reckless, violated every standard of sanitation and human decency, and placed individuals in unnecessary danger. The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office took swift action the moment we were informed and will ensure accountability from those responsible,” said Sheriff Jesse Slaughter.
Cascade County and the CCSO categorically reject and condemn the actions of Summit Correctional Services. The county had no involvement in, or prior knowledge of, SCS’s decision to serve contaminated food.
To address potential health concerns, SCS has been directed to provide bloodborne pathogen testing at no cost to all inmates housed in K, J, H, and G Blocks on September 28th, 2025, who wish to undergo testing.
Sheriff Jesse Slaughter
Summit’s Statement: On September 28, 2025, Summit Correctional Services was made aware of an incident at the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office/Detention Center in Great Falls, Montana. We took immediate corrective action and are conducting a comprehensive review of our food safety practices, including retraining all team members. We take this matter very seriously, and remain fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality and transparency across every aspect of our operations.
Press release By Cascade County Sheriff’s Office: October 8, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt
