Michigan Couple Allegedly Starved Adopted Children, Confined Them in Dog Cages, Pleads No Contest

A Michigan couple was accused of confining their adopted kids in dog cages. The pair pleaded no contest to child abuse charges. The suspects have been identified as Jessica Klimp, 45, and her husband, Jason Klimp, 47. On May 11, Jessica pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree child abuse involving her adopted children.

Her husband had already pleaded no contest in March. He was also charged with two counts of first-degree child abuse.

According to a press release from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, the couple are parents to four adopted children and four biological children. Prosecutors said that the abuse involved the adopted children and not the biological ones.

According to authorities, the incident first came to light when the family was living together in a rental home in Tennessee. At that time, one of the adopted children was taken to the University of Tennessee Hospital while suffering from severe dehydration and signs of starvation. The child was later transferred to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

The hospitalization prompted a broader investigation. Michigan State Police conducted a search in the couple’s Wexford County residence. The discovery shocked authorities. Inside the home, police found dog cages that appeared to have been used to confine the children. A makeshift straitjacket was also found. Security alarms were mounted on a bedroom door. Authorities noted that the evidence pointed to prolonged and calculated abuse.

The investigation also revealed that two of the adopted children were severely underweight. They were allegedly fed only liquified food and were supervised during meals. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel condemned the couple’s treatment of the children.

In a statement, Nessel said, “Kids deserve to grow up in a loving home free from abuse. The cruelty that these children endured is heartbreaking, and while no outcome can erase the trauma, I hope these convictions will provide a sense of justice and healing.”

In October 2025, Jessica and Jason pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse charges in Tennessee. They were sentenced to 10 years in prison. They were extradited back to Michigan to face further prosecution.

Jason Klimp will be sentenced on June 16. Jessica Klimp’s sentencing date has not been publicly released. Authorities said that the Michigan and Tennessee sentences will run concurrently. Both Jason's and Jessica’s parental rights have been terminated permanently.