Ohio parents arrested for child endangerment and abuse

Two adults, Jonathan Parr, 37, and Jacqueline Coleman, 32, were arrested in Etna Township, Ohio, following the rescue of nine children from what authorities described as deplorable living conditions. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office intervened after receiving a referral from Child Protective Services regarding allegations of physical abuse and neglect.

According to arrest warrants and criminal complaints, the children, aged 1 to 13, were allegedly subjected to extreme cruelty to prevent them from stealing food. This included being locked behind cages or barriers and being forced to stand for hours with nails placed between their toes. Authorities also reported a failure to provide adequate food and water, insufficient living space, and a bug infestation within the home.

In total, 12 people between the ages of 1 and 64 were residing at the property. Coleman is the mother of all nine children, while Parr is the biological father of seven. Both individuals have been charged with third-degree felony child endangerment. The nine children have been removed from the residence and placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.