Etna Township, Ohio — A father and mother in Ohio are facing felony child endangerment charges after investigators alleged that nine children in their care endured prolonged punishments, unsafe living conditions and physical restraint, including being locked behind cages or barriers.
Jonathan Parr, 37, and Jacquelyn Coleman, 32, were arrested following an investigation by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said all nine children, ranging in age from 1 to 13, were removed from the home and placed in the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS).
The investigation began after officials received a referral concerning possible child abuse and neglect. Detectives searched the property on October 13, 2026, uncovering conditions that raised serious concerns about the children’s safety.
How the Ohio Child Abuse Investigation Began
According to a news release from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, detectives searched a residence in the 13000 block of National Road SW in Etna Township after receiving information from CPS about suspected abuse and neglect.
Twelve people, ranging in age from 1 to 64, reportedly lived at the property. The household included nine children, seven of whom were Parr’s children. Coleman was identified as the mother of all nine children, according to authorities.
The sheriff’s office described the conditions discovered during the search as alarming.
“Upon executing the search warrant, detectives encountered appalling and unsafe living conditions that raised serious concerns for the health, safety, and well-being of the children residing in the home,” the sheriff’s office said in its release.
Authorities subsequently removed all nine children from the residence and placed them in CPS custody.
Children Allegedly Forced to Stand for Hours
A criminal complaint alleges that the abuse occurred between April 6, 2023, and October 13, 2026. The allegations include physical punishment, inadequate access to food and water, insufficient living space and prolonged restraint.
According to the complaint, children were allegedly forced to stand for hours with nails positioned between their toes and were locked behind cages or barriers.
A case report provided additional details about statements attributed to the children and information gathered by investigators.
One child reportedly told a CPS worker that he and his brother were forced to stand against a wall in a squatting position with their hands raised for extended periods.
“These wall squats are done daily, at all hours of the day, not just as a form of punishment,” the report stated.
The report also alleged that cameras were pointed toward the wall so Parr could monitor whether the children remained in position.
Investigators further documented allegations that nails were placed between the children’s toes to prevent them from moving or leaning to one side.
These allegations have not yet been established as facts in court.
Report Describes Disturbing Conditions Inside the Home
Investigators also raised concerns about the property’s living conditions.
According to the case report, a deputy described the bathroom as being in an extremely unsanitary state. The report said the toilet was black with filth and dirty dishes covered the shower floor, with bugs crawling over them.
The deputy also reportedly found a pile of material believed to be feces near the bathroom entrance, with insects crawling in and out of it.
The report stated that at least four children lived in a shed on the property with Parr and Coleman.
The alleged conditions formed part of the broader investigation into whether the children’s health and safety had been put at risk.
Child Allegedly Became Terrified During Interview
The case report also described an incident in which a social worker asked one of the children about the alleged wall-squat punishments.
The child reportedly became fearful and started crying before saying, “No, I can’t do this, I can’t do this, please, I have to go. I can’t talk to you,” according to the report.
The boy then ran out of the room, and the social worker could not persuade him to discuss the alleged punishments further.
The report also stated that Coleman told investigators she disagreed with the wall-squat punishment but allowed it because she “didn’t have another place to stay.”
Her reported statement is part of the investigative account and does not, by itself, establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.
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Parents Face Felony Charges in Ohio
Parr and Coleman were charged with third-degree felony child endangerment, according to authorities. The criminal complaint alleges that they subjected the children to corporal punishment and physically restrained them in a cruel manner or for prolonged periods, creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm.
During a court appearance, Parr denied the allegations.
“It’s not true. I love my kids. I would die for my kids,” he said, according to courtroom footage.
Both defendants are being held at the Licking County Justice Center, each on a $150,000 bond. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for October 23, 2026.
The charges remain allegations, and both defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The upcoming preliminary hearings are expected to be an important step in the criminal proceedings. The case has raised questions about the conditions in which the children allegedly lived and the information provided to authorities before the search.
For now, all nine children have been removed from the residence and placed in CPS custody while the legal process moves forward.
Further court proceedings may provide additional information about the allegations, the evidence gathered by investigators and the next steps in the case.
What are your thoughts on this case and the importance of protecting children from alleged abuse? Share your views in the comments below.
