Etna Township, Ohio — An Ohio couple has been arrested after nine children were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, food and water deprivation, and severely inadequate living conditions inside a home where authorities say they also discovered a bug infestation.
Jonathan Parr, 37, and Jacqueline Coleman, 32, were arrested on Tuesday, October 13, on charges of child endangerment, according to a press release from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office issued the following day. The arrests came after detectives investigated allegations involving children living at a property in Etna Township.
The case has drawn attention to allegations that the children were confined behind cages or barriers and forced to stand for hours as punishment.
How the Investigation Began
According to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, detectives launched the investigation after receiving a referral from the county’s Child Protective Services.
Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for a home in the 13000 block of National Road SW. When deputies executed the warrant, they encountered conditions that raised further concerns about the children’s safety and well-being.
A criminal complaint stated that the referral involved nine children, all under the age of 13, who were reportedly experiencing physical abuse and living in deplorable conditions.
Authorities said a total of 12 people, ranging in age from 1 to 64, lived at the property.
The complaint identified Coleman as the mother of all nine children and Parr as the father of seven of them.
Children Allegedly Locked Behind Cages and Barriers
The allegations detailed in the criminal complaint include physical restraint, inadequate living space and the alleged failure to provide sufficient food and water.
Investigators also received reports that some children were locked behind cages or barriers. According to the complaint, the children were allegedly forced to stand for hours with nails placed between their toes.
The complaint described alleged incidents occurring on various dates between April 2023 and the couple’s arrests in October 2026.
These allegations have not been established as facts in court, but they form part of the case brought against Parr and Coleman.
The sheriff’s office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the reported treatment of the children, including the nature and duration of the alleged punishments.
Captain Describes Alleged Punishment
Licking County Sheriff’s Office Captain Jay Cook discussed the allegations in an interview, explaining that disclosures from the children included accounts of being forced to remain in uncomfortable positions.
“Part of the disclosure from the children was the abuse. Sometimes it was punishment; sometimes it was for no good reason at all, where they would have to stand with their back against the wall like a wall squat situation. it was reported that they would sometimes have to stand there all day,” Cook told the news outlet.
The account describes allegations of prolonged physical punishment, sometimes reportedly lasting for much of the day.
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged conduct involved excessive physical discipline or restraint that created a substantial risk of serious physical harm to a child.
The complaint states that the alleged offenses took place over an extended period, beginning in April 2023.
Deputies Report Bug Infestation and Inadequate Bedding
The investigation also uncovered concerns about the physical condition of the home.
According to the complaint, deputies discovered deplorable living conditions, a bug infestation and inadequate sleeping arrangements and bedding for the children.
The referral to authorities reportedly raised concerns about insufficient living space and the alleged failure to provide basic necessities, including food and water.
Investigators are examining the reported conditions alongside the allegations of physical abuse and confinement.
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The details outlined in the complaint describe a case involving both the alleged treatment of the children and the environment in which they were living.
Couple Held on $150,000 Bond
Parr and Coleman were arrested on October 13 and charged with child endangerment. Both are being held on $150,000 bond, according to the information released about the case.
The criminal complaint alleges that the defendants unlawfully administered excessive corporal punishment, used physical restraint in a cruel manner or for a prolonged period, and created a substantial risk of serious physical harm.
The charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation followed the referral from Child Protective Services and the subsequent search of the Etna Township residence. Additional details about the children’s current circumstances and any further legal proceedings were not provided in the information available.
How to Report Suspected Child Abuse
Authorities encourage people who suspect child abuse or neglect to contact the appropriate child protection authorities.
In the United States, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached by calling 1-800-422-4453. The service offers confidential support around the clock in more than 170 languages. Information is also available at Childhelp.org.
Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should contact emergency services.
The allegations in this case have raised serious questions about child safety and the importance of reporting suspected abuse. What steps do you think communities should take to help protect vulnerable children? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
