16.10.2026 08:30
In the US state of Ohio, 9 children aged between 1 and 13 were rescued from a home where they were alleged to have been subjected to abuse for about 3 years. It was alleged that the children were locked in cages, left hungry and thirsty, and forced to stand still for hours with nails placed between their toes. In connection with the incident at the insect-infested house, the mother and father were detained, while the children were taken into protective custody.
A child abuse case uncovered in the US state of Ohio drew a major backlash. In an operation carried out at a house in Etna Township in Licking County, 9 children aged between 1 and 13 were rescued amid suspicions of severe neglect and abuse. Authorities announced that it was assessed that the children had been subjected to mistreatment for about 3 years.
THEY LOCKED THE CHILDREN IN CAGES
The incident came to light after an abuse report reached child protective services. Police teams who went to the address on October 13 encountered extremely unsanitary living conditions at the house.
According to court documents, it was alleged that the children were locked in cage-like areas, deprived of adequate food and water, and forced to remain motionless for long periods.
As part of the investigation, it was found that some children were locked in small compartments resembling dog crates, and the entrances to some rooms were blocked with folding cages.
THEY PUT NAILS BETWEEN THEIR TOES
The punishment methods the children were allegedly subjected to were also included in the investigation file. According to the allegations, the children were forced to squat leaning against a wall for hours with nails placed between their toes. It was stated that this practice was carried out not only for punishment purposes, but sometimes without any justification.
Jay Cook from the Licking County Sheriff's Office said that there were statements indicating that the children were sometimes kept in the same position all day. The investigation records also included allegations that whether the children moved was monitored with cameras.
THE HOUSE WAS INFESTED WITH INSECTS, 4 CHILDREN WERE LIVING IN A SHED
During police inspections at the house, an insect infestation, insufficient beds, and serious hygiene problems were identified. It was determined that at least four of the nine children were living in a small shed in the garden of the house, while the others were living in a mobile home on the property.
Authorities determined that a total of 12 people, including the children, were living at the address. Assessing that the children's health and safety were in serious danger, all of them were placed under the supervision of child protective services.
MOTHER AND FATHER DETAINED
In connection with the incident, 37-year-old Jonathan Parr and 32-year-old Jacquelyn Coleman were taken into custody. It was reported that Parr was the biological father of seven of the children, while Coleman was the children's mother. It was alleged that Coleman was aware of the mistreatment of the children but did not prevent it. Proceedings were initiated against the two suspects on charges of endangering the safety of children. Bail was set at $150,000 for each of them.
FATHER DENIED THE ACCUSATIONS
Jonathan Parr, who was brought before the court, denied the accusations that he mistreated the children.
Parr said that he did not lock the children in cages and did not accept the other accusations made against him. He stated that he loved his children and that he would give his life for them. In the incident, in which the investigation is ongoing, the two suspects are expected to appear before a judge again on October 23.